The USGA is a mission-based golf organization whose purpose is to unify the golf community through handicapping and grassroots programs; to showcase the game’s best talent through the U.S. Open, U.S. Women’s Open and 13 other national championships and our museum; to provide unbiased global governance with The R&A through the playing, equipment and Amateur Status rules; and to advance issues important to golf’s future, with a focus on driving sustainability, accessibility and inclusion. As a nonprofit association, our work and our team are driven to act for the good of the game. The USGA’s headquarters are located in Liberty Corner, NJ, with a recently opened campus in Pinehurst, NC. For more, visit usga.org.
Recent studies show that the game of golf has an economic impact of more than $100 billion, employs more than 1.6 million people in the U.S., with only a small fraction of those jobs held by those from underrepresented communities. As part of the ongoing effort to address those imbalances and foster a more inclusive game, the USGA annually hires students to participate in the Pathways Internship Program at the U.S. Open Championship. The primary mission of the program is to expose college and graduate school students to the multitude of job opportunities and pathways in the business of golf. Program alumni have found success through full time jobs and internships with the USGA, MNML golf, PGA Tour, at Allied Golf Associations, as well as with industry partners and in broader sports. The USGA is committed to continue the program in 2025 at the U.S. Open and advancing continued long-term change in the golf industry by creating pathways to careers beyond the tee.
The Pathways Program is a one of a kind 10 Day internship, held during the U.S. Open in Oakmont, PA (June 6-16, 2025) and aims to create a behind-the-scenes U.S. Open experience for college and graduate students from underrepresented backgrounds in golf by:
- Exposure to numerous career opportunities within the industry.
- Providing classroom and real-world opportunities to enhance their professional development capabilities.
- Creating networking opportunities with industry leaders in the Oakmont/Pittsburgh community.
- Providing career building opportunities with pre-identified segmented championship leaders.
The USGA is a leader in the global golf industry, whose purpose is to unify the game, showcase the best talent in golf, provide impartial governance and advance our impact on critical issues such as sustainability, accessibility and inclusion.
Components of the program will come to life through the following:
- Leadership and Navigating the Corporate World
- Career Development Sessions
- Industry Leadership Panels
- Community Impact Opportunity
- Professional Networking Opportunities
- ‘On-The-Job-Training” and Shadowing Experiences
- Pathways Pitch Competition
What you bring:
- Demonstrated maturity, dependability, integrity, and initiative to learn.
- Ability to positively contribute to a work environment that emphasizes teamwork, respect for differences, and accepting and giving constructive feedback.
- No prior experience working in golf is required but a demonstration of strong interest in working in sports is preferred.
- Enrolled in an undergraduate (rising sophomore or above) or graduate program at an accredited college or university.
Program specifics:
- Dates: June 6 – 16, 2025 (arrival: Friday, June 6; departure: Monday, June 16)
- This is a Paid Internship Experience
- The following will be paid by the USGA:
- If not from the local Oakmont or Pittsburgh area – roundtrip travel from home airport/train/bus station
- Room and board for the duration of the program
- Meals, snacks and related program expenses
- Intern Uniforms will be provided.
Application timeline:
- Application Period: October 7, 2024 at 9am ET – January 13, 2025 at 8pm ET
- Completed applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
- The Selection Committee will conduct virtual interviews with the final pool of candidates.
- All offers will be extended by Wednesday, March 12th.
The USGA is an equal opportunity employer. Our organization believes we are stronger by embracing our diverse backgrounds and perspectives, promoting equity so all teammates can excel and grow in their careers, and fostering experiences to drive inclusion in our workplace and game. Golf is a game for everyone, and you are always welcome.
