Page 31 - Golf Champion - June 2022

IBERTY CORNER, N.J., and BROOKLINE, Mass. applications from 37 states and five countries. To remove
L(May 2, 2022) – With a focus on advancing diversity, systemic barriers that can impede diverse participation
equity and inclusion in golf, The Country Club and the in traditional internship programs, an emphasis was
United States Golf Association have selected 25 college placed on the student’s demonstrated commitment to
and graduate students from 22 universities for the Lee diversity, drawing from previous and current work or
Elder Internship, a dedicated, hands-on career training school experiences, referrals and recommendations.
program that will run throughout the week of the 122nd The 2022 class includes students from Historically
U.S. Open Championship in June. Black Colleges and Universities and other accredited
The international cohort includes 15 individuals who universities across the United States who are pursuing
identify as female and 10 as male, with more than half master’s degrees in business administration, sports
having minimal exposure to golf. With students from management and public policy, and bachelor’s degrees
the United States, Argentina, the Republic of Korea in a variety of professional fields. They include
and Nigeria, the internship reflects what the U.S. Open entrepreneurs, podcasters and advocates whose efforts
represents in golf – the most diverse and democratic encompass a variety of social, health and justice issues.
major championship, open to all. Several play golf at the collegiate level, and many have
“This bright group of young leaders shows us what the volunteered for junior golf programs such as First Tee in
future of golf can and will be,” said USGA CEO Mike their communities.
Whan. “Only a small fraction of the two million golf jobs Lee Elder, a pioneer in integrating golf and laying the
across our $84 billion industry are held by people from groundwork for generations to follow, was the first
underrepresented communities. It’s our responsibility African American to play in the Masters Tournament and
to continually advance and grow the game through the first to play on a United States Ryder Cup Team. In
programs that expose more young professionals to the 2019, he became the first African American to receive the
wealth of opportunities that exist, and to elevate their USGA’s Bob Jones Award, the association’s highest honor,
ability to make our game stronger.” which recognizes an individual who demonstrates Jones’s
"We are thrilled with the overall interest and the quality exemplary spirit, character and respect for the game.
of applicants for this first-of-its-kind program,” said In addition to the Lee Elder Internship, The Country
Will Fulton, general chair for the 2022 U.S. Open. “This Club offers internships in club management, golf
program embodies Lee Elder’s vision and hope for the management, turfgrass management, culinary arts and
future of golf and we recognize that diversification is one marketing & communications, providing students with
of the biggest opportunities for the game. Through this year-round opportunities to develop their skills alongside
program, we hope to connect with those who can help industry professionals.
shape the future of golf as potential leaders who may not Through its P.J. Boatwright Jr. Internship Program
have been reached without programs like the Lee Elder established in 1991, the USGA annually funds more than
Internship.” 125 paid long-term internships across its network of
Following the program’s announcement in November 58 Allied Golf Associations. Internships are focused on
2021, the Internship Committee received more than 200 building toward careers in tournament administration,

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