USGA selects Pathway Internship students for 2025 US Open

Reflecting an organisational commitment to identify and develop the next generation of people seeking careers in golf, the USGA has selected 24 students to participate in the Pathways Internship Program during the 125th US Open Championship in June.

The 10-day internship will be held on-site at Oakmont Country Club and throughout Greater Pittsburgh. It is a component of the USGA’s championship community engagement strategy, demonstrating the USGA’s work for the good of the game and ensuring a lasting impact in the regions it serves. Supported by foundational sponsor Deloitte, interns will be exposed to various career pathways in golf through job shadowing, networking with industry leaders, and professional development sessions.

“As Pathways enters its fourth year, we are not letting up on our commitment to provide opportunities for those interested in working in the game,” said Mike Whan, USGA CEO. “The talent in this year’s Pathways class represents a new generation, with a variety of skills and backgrounds that will help shape the future of the game. It’s our responsibility to ensure these emerging leaders recognize the career opportunities that exist for them in golf.”

This year’s program attracted a record-setting 750 applicants internationally, making for a highly competitive selection process. Hailing from 20 universities and representing 21 areas of study, those selected for the program have been identified as emerging talent and potential leaders that the USGA would like to expose to careers in golf.

Among the class are collegiate athletes and First Tee alumni, as well as individuals who have never been exposed to golf. The 2025 class also includes a visually impaired individual who competed in the 2024 US Adaptive Open, and many inspiring individuals who are making an impact both inside and outside their classrooms. Interns are encouraged to embrace their experiences and perspectives when networking, participating in panel discussions, and engaging in scenario-based challenges. 

The 2025 US Open will provide an invaluable experience for interns looking to kickstart their sports careers. Through immersion into the operations and management, they will gain exposure to a broad range of job functions, including communications, technology, hospitality, ticketing, corporate partnerships, championship administration, course setup, and community engagement.

In addition to on-site programming at Oakmont, interns will engage with the broader Pittsburgh community through learning opportunities with the Western Pennsylvania Golf Association, Dick’s Sporting Goods and local sports organizations. 

Participants will spend a day at the local Deloitte office alongside Deloitte practitioners to better understand their own working styles using Business Chemistry and explore how trends in business and technology play out in the sports industry, particularly through the USGA relationship. Interns will also take time to prepare for the Pathways case study presentation – which will be held Saturday, June 14, in front of a forum of leaders from the USGA and its partners.

Through the USGA’s relationship with NBC Sports and the NBCU Academy, participants learn about various careers in sports from a panel of industry experts and network with executives and leaders. Further support is provided by USGA partners Ally Financial, American Express, Cisco, Lexus, Peter Millar, Sentry Insurance, and Rolex.

What began as the Lee Elder Internship at the 2022 US Open, the Pathways Internship has evolved into a key pillar of the USGA’s career development programming, helping to identify talent and empower young people to pursue careers in golf. 

“The USGA Pathways Internship was a turning point in my career. It helped me see the golf industry as a real option for me as I looked to transition from the world of education to working in sports,” said Rob Davalos, 2023 Pathways intern and now general manager of MNML Golf. “Prior to my experience, I didn’t realize the range of careers that existed within the game or feel confident that someone with little golf experience would be welcome. It’s all thanks to the USGA and the Southern California Golf Association for providing me with the networking opportunities that ultimately led me to my role with MNML Golf.”

Program alumni now hold full time positions across the golf and wider sports landscapes, including with the USGA, PGA Tour, NBCUniversal, Allied Golf Associations, Excel Sports Management and elsewhere. Four alumni have been selected to serve as peer leaders, providing interns with support and mentorship throughout their tenure.

The following students will participate in the 2025 Pathways Internship Program: