For over 25 years, the USGA Green Section has provided an opportunity for undergraduate and graduate students to participate in an immersive internship experience. Many USGA Green Section interns have gone on to prominent careers as superintendents, professors and industry professionals.
Historically, these internships were offered as a one-week experience that focused on the Green Section’s Course Consulting Service. Interns would travel with a USGA agronomist during consulting visits, learning about agronomy and course maintenance practices in the process. They also saw how maintenance practices varied at different courses.
Beginning in 2023, the internship program expanded to include a multiple-week option that provides both course consulting and championship experience. Working with USGA agronomists during a championship and contributing directly to course preparation gives our interns a unique opportunity to experience golf course maintenance at the highest level and to see the many aspects involved in delivering a successful championship. It is truly an unforgettable experience and one that we are proud to offer our interns.
How the program works:
Selected students will travel with a USGA agronomist for one or two weeks between May and September to a variety of golf facilities – including public and private courses across a range of budget levels. Interns will gain a broad view of the golf course maintenance industry and learn from the perspective of USGA staff.
If selected for a multiple-week internship, the intern will also work with USGA agronomists to prepare a course for a USGA championship. Candidates should clearly indicate in their cover letter if they would like to participate in championships or other Green Section initiatives like education, research or technology tool development during their internship.
The timing, location and length of the internship is mutually agreed upon. Interns receive a $500 stipend per week along with all transportation, lodging and meal expenses. As part of the experience, the intern will submit a report summarizing their observations and experiences and may have the opportunity to publish their work in the USGA Green Section Record, our digital magazine.
What you bring to the USGA:
Candidates should be a sophomore, junior or senior in a two- or four-year program – or a graduate student – majoring in turfgrass management, agronomy or a related field. An interest in golf and turfgrass management is essential, and ideally candidates will have experience working on a golf course and/or playing the game. Demonstrated leadership potential is a quality we will be looking for in successful candidates.
How to apply:
Email the following materials to Dr. Jordan Booth (jbooth@usga.org), director of the USGA Course Consulting Service:
A cover letter explaining how you became interested in turf management and why you would like to participate in the USGA Green Section Internship Program. Please include your desired scope of experiences within the Green Section – e.g., course consulting, championships, education, research, tools and technology development. Also include the region you would like to travel in during the internship.
A full resume or CV including your projected graduation date.
A letter of recommendation from your faculty advisor.
Applications will only be considered complete once all materials are received.
Applications for the 2025 Program will be accepted September 15, 2024 through December 15, 2024
Applicants will be interviewed and selected by January 31, 2025.