“GOLF IS COOL!” was the resounding chant throughout the packed conference room on Sunday, May 1, at the Beyond the Green career exploration event held at the Comcast Technology Center, in Philadelphia. Presented in conjunction with the PGA of America Championships and other Professional Golf Tournaments, this event is designed to educate and inspire talent from historically underrepresented backgrounds to pursue careers in the business of golf and beyond. THe PGA Collegiate Championship is being played May 2 – 4 at Union League Liberty Hill and The Union League Golf Club at Torresdale in Philadelphia, PA.
The sessions brought much enightement to attendes at this year’s event, a part of the 2022 PGA WORKS Collegiate Championship, one of the most culturally significant championships in collegiate golf. PGA of America CEO Seth Waugh was all eyes and ears at the program as he told the crowd something it already knew, but is always worth repeating – “Golf is cool!”
Seth was a participant on “The Golf Biz” panel, where he reiterated how the game of golf is transforming from a stuffy, unhip sport to one that brings all members of society onto a game field where anything is possible, personally and professionally.
The Beyond the Green event showcased the growth of the game among young people particularly African Americans and other people of color. Throughout the audience, one could spot an abundance of populraied Jordan sneakers, chic Eastside Golf hoodies, upbraid hairstyles, shoulder-length dreadlocks throughout this varied demographic audience.
Rocking the crowd, mixing-n-mingling, was Philly’s own DJ Diamond Kutz. “For the first time in history, golf is cool,” Seth said. “And this event is cool because you’re the ones who are going to evolve it and make a difference.”
Job Opportunities are available for those who are ready
PGA Member and Callaway Golf staffer Mackenzie Mack told a relatable story to the audience, according to PGA .com, about how she was once sitting in the same crowd as the students on Sunday when she played in the PWCC. She admitted to not paying enough attention back then, but her sister, also in the crowd as a student-athlete, was. Mackenzie’s sister reached out to one of the speakers about an internship, which she landed on the spot. Meanwhile, Mackenzie lagged, to the dismay of her mother who asked her, “Were you asleep?” Eventually, Mackenzie reached out and got herself an internship, too. It taught her a valuable life lesson.“I vowed I wasn’t going to miss another opportunity.”
During the program’s “What’s in the Bag” panel, Mackenzie said. “I tell that story to say, I have internships and I have jobs available, so take advantage.” The audience was attentive and listened intently to the experienced businesswoman who is an LPGA Profession and has played at the most elite levels of the game against some of the best in the world.
Another top panelist, Kendall Murphy, Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Troon, spoke whole-heartedly to students in the audience, encouraging them to reach out to him for information on potential career opportunities in the golf industry. Following in this path and offering advice, Dylan Gladney, a PGA Career Services Recruiting Specialist, made his point to students with clear and concise information on how to become a PGA Member and invited them to contact him if they are interested. The segment gave way to a more in-depth discussion surrounding internships and job opportunities during the mid-event networking session.
Vast Industry Job Opportunities
Don Rea, a PGA of America Secretary, opened up to the group on opportunities that exist because of the game and shared the many sectors in which employment is available, including course management, interior design or managing social media. the golf industry has something for everybody. Don stressed in his delivery that it didn’t matter what sort of profession you might be seeking, you can do it within golf. Even if you think that job has no place in the game.“Wanna be a lawyer?” Don said with a laugh. “Well, you can do it in golf, and it’s pretty lucrative.”
Networking Works in Golf
During the “We Got Next” panel discussion at Beyond the Green, bringing together individuals from different backgrounds was a common theme. “Golf is a galvanizing force that can connect society,” said Kyle Bowser, Senior Vice President at the NAACP. “You may play with someone who isn’t like you, and they can walk away and think, ‘That person swings a club just like I do. Maybe they aren’t as different from me as I thought they were.’ And then they go back on Monday morning and remember that, and it changes how they see people.” And the game can also bring people together professionally. “Golf is the only sport that’s an intersection with business,” said PaShon Mann, Vice President of Comcast Talent Acquisition and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. “Football doesn’t do that, right? There isn’t any other sport that’s like that.” Kyle Bowser, Senior Vice President at the NAACP, speaks to student athletes during Beyond the Green at the Comcast Technology Center.
Making Way for Progress
The Beyond the Green program shared an abundance of information to benefit those who seek careers and businesses in the golf industry and the impact of this effort is certain to be seen.
