WA Golf News May 28, 2025

Boatwright Summit – a trip back in time, and forward to the future

USGA CEO Mike Whan speaks to the class of the 2025 Boatwright Intern Summit at the United States Golf Association in Liberty Corner, N.J. on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. (Copyright USGA/Jason E. Miczek)

Nestled within central New Jersey is a town whose name is (rightly so) synonymous with American golf pedigree. That would be Liberty Corner, home to the United States Golf Association. One look at the grounds gives an indication of the prestige held there – pristine brick buildings, a tall Rolex clock, and grass almost as fluffy as it is green, are just some of what meets the eye. I was invited there this past week, alongside WA Golf’s Championship Department Intern Luke Roque, as one of over 90 USGA P.J. Boatwright interns from Allied Golf Associations across the country, all attending the annual Boatwright Summit. The program is designed to give individuals experience in golf administration, across a variety of roles, with the summit an opportunity to host them and provide an up-close look at the industry, networking opportunities, playful challenges and more.

Logan traveled alongside Championships Department Intern Luke Roque.

As could be expected from golf’s governing body, the week was well-organized and fun, even if altered slightly due to Wednesday rain. Following Luke and my early morning cross-country flight out of SeaTac, we exchanged brief introductions with other interns, before the time came to see the campus. And believe me, you’ll find more than cubicles and water coolers there. There’s the USGA Museum containing cherished golf items like a wicker basket pin from Merion Golf Club, and the towel from Tiger Woods’ bag used during his victory in the 2008 U.S. Open playoff. The iconic pink-and-blue Puma shirt Rickie Fowler wore to win the 2015 Players is there too, and I can say from experience that just looking at it causes one to hear Gary Koch exclaiming “It looks good now, Roger!” in reaction to Fowler’s shot that led to his winning putt that Mother’s Day. You get the picture; it’s awesome. What else is in the office building? How about a TV studio, itself just a stone’s throw away from a full-size golf simulator and gym that employees have swift access to. A community space ornamented with Arnold Palmer memorabilia called “Arnie’s Place” sits further down the hall, complete with an undulation-customizable putting mat. Basically, if you can picture anything a workplace could possibly have that says “I love golf” in all capital letters, it’s within the USGA’s walls. That initial museum visit Monday night was followed by an outdoor dinner and speech from P.J. Boatwright Jr.’s son, a special moment which served as the preamble to the week of learning about the USGA’s sections. Championships, course rating, rules and just about any additional carried responsibility were to be discussed.

Logan got to chat with Ava Sames, who he worked alongside at the AJGA two years ago.

In addition to several full-time staffers, CEO Mike Whan even stopped by to speak in the college-like auditorium to offer some words and answer questions about his own role. Each speaker seemed to reaffirm how well-connected the golf industry is, and the will of those within it to move the game forward. I even had the chance to chat with Ava Sames, USGA coordinator of course rating and handicapping, who I spent 14 awesome weeks working directly alongside during my travels with the American Junior Golf Association in 2023. AJGA interns are divided into seven teams, each with seven in operations and two in communications, and Ava and I served the latter roles for our team, traveling by GMC truck-and-trailer throughout the Midwest. I used the word “fun” further above, because it often came to mind throughout the week. Other activities were competitive in nature, such as a challenge to set up an opening tee tent in the quickest time, and a putting competition staged in the museum’s backyard. While my efforts in the latter mostly saw my sparkling orange ball sail past the target hole off the face of my old putter, I’m not sure there was a time on that green where I wasn’t hearing someone laughing or urging an errant ball to sit. More casual outdoor games came at following dinners, which were served outside from food trucks.

The U.S. Open Championship Trophy, presented annually since 1895.

Yeah, the golf industry has its perks. Almost the perfect conclusion to it all was the U.S. Open trophy being uncovered and available to view up close, and touch with gloves. Encapsulating the week in its entirety may be difficult, but I can confidently say that the summit provided reassurance and confidence that the golf industry is built like a home. One that cares for its members as they care for it, the game and others. That I could experience it, with WA Golf logos on my chest, was plainly unforgettable. To reference another piece of well-known commentary, I’m not sure how I could “expect anything different” from such a trip.

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