“I have played, been around, and watched golf for as long as I can remember,” he says. “I grew up doing a bunch of golf-related activities with my grandpa, who was involved in the golf industry. I worked at my local golf club in Portland (Rock Creek Country Club) throughout high school. I worked in outside services and in the pro shop, where I helped with tournaments during my last summer there. I love sports and being involved with them, whether it is playing, watching, or helping administer them, so I thought this internship would be a great opportunity to be involved professionally.”
As part of the USGA’s commitment to connect more individuals to careers in golf, the organization funds the program, in part through philanthropic contributions, and works closely with AGAs on intern recruitment and training. In 2023, the USGA is delivering a program-high $2.09 million to pay each intern, provide travel costs to the annual summit and support AGA operations to manage staffing locally.
Representing all 50 states and Puerto Rico, the 2023 class of interns includes undergraduate and graduate students, collegiate athletes, individuals who are new to golf and those looking to make a career change. The program is open to all interested in learning about golf administration, regardless of age, gender or religious belief, and no golf experience is required.
“The USGA Boatwright Program is a proven framework to identify and develop future leaders of the golf industry,” said USGA CEO Mike Whan. “Our collaboration with the Allied Golf Associations to host and train the next generation of golf administrators remains key to connecting more students to the more than 1.65 million careers in golf.”
The three-day orientation included instructional sessions led by USGA staff on Course Rating, agronomy, Rules, championship administration and the World Handicap System. Following the summit, Boatwrights returned to their respective host region for on-the-job training in all aspects of golf administration.
“Having the chance to interact with other Boatwright interns was insightful and made it fun to compare our seasons to this point,” Gilley said. “I am super grateful for the opportunity to have participated in this year’s summit.”
