USGA's Pathways Launch Internship Program Completes First Year

The USGA's Pathways Launch internship program has wrapped its first year, placing 24 college students in paid summer positions at 10 organizations across the golf industry. The program is designed to widen the pipeline into golf careers for students with little prior exposure to the sport.

How does Pathways Launch work?

Internships are jointly funded by the USGA and each host organization, which this year included the LPGA, PGA of America, PGA Tour, Dick's Sporting Goods/Golf Galaxy, Golf Pride, Pebble Beach Company and Pinehurst Resort & Country Club. Positions emphasize on-the-job skills, mentorship and leadership training for graduate and undergraduate students pursuing careers in golf or sports.

One participant, University of Georgia senior Anna La, spent last summer in a social-media internship at Callaway after growing up in Dalton, Ga., without exposure to golf. "You don't have to know everything about golf," La said. La has since returned to Georgia to finish a master's degree and was named a 2026-27 Golf Writers Association of America scholarship recipient.

What results has the program produced?

Of the inaugural class, one intern was hired full-time by their host organization, another received a similar offer, and two more found golf-industry jobs through connections made during the program. The USGA said every surveyed participant reported feeling better prepared for the workforce and said they would recommend Pathways Launch to other students, while more than 90 percent said the experience encouraged them to pursue a golf career.

Applications for the 2027 Pathways Launch class are being accepted now.