KOHLER, Wisconsin – Before the 38th PGA WORKS Collegiate Championship began on Monday, may 5, at Whistling Straits, student-athletes and local youth were welcomed with career-focused programming designed to open pathways into the golf industry. Hosted by PGA WORKS, a diversity and inclusion initiative of the PGA of America REACH Foundation, the pre-tournament events aimed to educate and inspire the next generation of leaders both on and off the course.
Established in 1986, the PGA WORKS Collegiate Championship (PWCC) has long gone beyond golf. Its mission is to connect students from HBCUs, HSIs, and other minority-serving institutions with career opportunities within the $102 billion golf industry.
“This is a pivotal time in your lives,” said PGA of America CEO Derek Sprague, addressing the 180 student-athletes during Sunday’s Welcome Celebration. “We hope you will join us in the golf industry and help leave this game in a better place.”
Ahead of the first round, student-athletes had the chance to meet representatives from organizations like Kohler, Chase, Golftec, the USGA, LPGA, PXG, and the Milwaukee Bucks. For some, like Texas Southern University graduate student Kennedi Lee, the experience is transformative: “It allows us student-athletes to take advantage of this opportunity, elevate our professional development and find a career in the adult world.”
In 2024, 119 participants passed the PGA of America’s Playing Ability Test through PWCC scores, a key step toward becoming PGA Professionals. Many more hope to do the same this year.
Sunday morning also featured “Beyond the Green,” a career event for Milwaukee-area teens from organizations like MKE Fellows and Pearls for Teen Girls. Participants toured the Kohler Design Center, explored career goals, and heard from professionals including Corinne Milien and Mike O’Reilly, PGA.
On Saturday, May 3, local youth ages 8 to 14 joined PGA WORKS Youth Day for introductory golf lessons and career conversations. Partner organizations included the First Tee of Milwaukee, Milwaukee Golf Academy, and Boys and Girls Club of Greater Milwaukee.
The championship and its surrounding events reflect PGA WORKS’ commitment to inclusion, mentorship, and leadership development within the sport of golf.
