The United States Golf Association (USGA) continues to build on its mission of unifying and advancing the game of golf with the launch of Pathways Launch, an ambitious 3+ month internship program beginning in summer 2026. Designed to open doors for underrepresented groups and cultivate future leaders in golf and related industries, the initiative reflects the USGA’s deep commitment to sustainability, inclusion, and accessibility while preparing students for leadership opportunities.
For decades, the USGA has been more than just the steward of championships such as the U.S. Open, U.S. Women’s Open, and 13 other national competitions. It has acted as a global leader, working alongside The R&A to create the rules of golf, govern equipment standards, and protect amateur status. Its nonprofit structure ensures that decisions are always made “for the good of the game,” from handicapping and grassroots initiatives to running its celebrated Golf Museum. With headquarters in Liberty Corner, New Jersey, and a newly opened campus in Pinehurst, North Carolina, the USGA is well-positioned to influence the game’s future while opening new pathways for participation.
Golf in the United States employs nearly 1.6 million people, but only a fraction of those roles are filled by individuals from historically underrepresented communities. Recognizing this imbalance, the USGA launched Pathways Discover in recent years to give students exposure at the U.S. Open. Building on that success, Pathways Launch expands the opportunity into a fully immersive internship experience.
Running from May/June to July/August 2026, the program will place students with some of the sport’s most influential organizations, including Callaway Golf, Dick’s Sporting Goods–Golf Galaxy, Golf Pride, LPGA, Pebble Beach Resorts, Pinehurst Resorts, PGA of America, PGA Tour, and the USGA itself. Interns will gain hands-on experience in fields such as marketing, business operations, finance, data analytics, communications, merchandise and licensing, ticketing, and event management. This wide range of placements ensures participants are not just observers but active contributors to the industry.
The program is intentionally designed to prepare students for meaningful careers through mentorship, coaching, leadership access, and professional development sessions. Networking opportunities and project-based work will give interns a chance to demonstrate creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork. Importantly, each student will also be paired with mentors to help navigate career development.
Applications for Pathways Launch open on August 20, 2025, and will be reviewed on a rolling basis through November 14, 2025. Candidates selected will be invited to attend the In-Person Recruiting Summit at USGA Headquarters in New Jersey from January 16–18, 2026. Offers will be extended by January 30, 2026, and the program officially kicks off during the 2026 U.S. Women’s Open at Riviera Country Club in Los Angeles (June 4–7, 2026).
Interns will receive compensation ranging from $15–$25 per hour, with housing and travel support included. Placements will be hosted in California, Florida, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Texas, though applicants nationwide are encouraged to apply.
To qualify, applicants must be undergraduate juniors or seniors, or graduate students, enrolled in accredited institutions. Strong communication skills, maturity, integrity, and proficiency in Microsoft Office are required. While prior experience in golf is not mandatory, an interest in sports and a willingness to learn are highly encouraged.
As part of the application, students will answer ten open-ended questions, giving them a platform to share their authentic perspectives and experiences. The USGA emphasizes that it is not looking for polished, “perfect” answers but rather genuine voices that reflect individuality and passion.
The USGA’s leadership recognizes that the future of golf depends on inclusivity. By investing in young talent through Pathways Launch, the organization is making strides toward ensuring golf reflects the diversity of the communities it serves. As the USGA affirms, golf is for everyone—and through programs like this, it is opening fairways and careers to a broader audience than ever before.
For more information and to apply, visit https://jobs.dayforcehcm.com/en-US/usga/CANDIDATEPORTAL/jobs/580
