Each year, Washington Golf provides opportunity in its office to one or two USGA P.J. Boatwright Jr. Interns.This program is designed to give experience to individuals who are interested in pursuing a career in golf administration, while assisting state and regional golf associations in the promotion of amateur golf, on a short-term, entry level basis. An intern may help conduct tournaments, junior golf programs, membership services, and other general activities that promote the best interests of the game.
Meet this year’s interns….
Clayton Bloemke
Where did you grow up? Where did you go to school?
I grew up in the town of Grayslake, Illinois, about 45 minutes north of Chicago. I just recently graduated from the University of Missouri’s school of journalism with an emphasis in strategic communication. I love everything that has to do with animals and I am a diehard fan of the St. Louis Cardinals (yes, really. My dad was born and raised in St. Louis). I have two dogs at home named Dutch and Ollie who I adore as well. I am also a fantasy sports geek, participating in fantasy baseball and football year-round with the guys in my family.
What is your favorite thing about the game of golf? How did you become interested in the golf industry?
I think my favorite thing about golf is the internal challenge. Each round is different, having various factors dictating how well you play. I also think it’s fun to be paired up with people who you never knew played the same courses as you, and making connections and small talk with them. I am a huge believer in “If you love what you are doing, you will never have to work a day in your life,” so I found that sports is the one constant in my life, and I am sticking with it to see where it takes me!
Who would be the other three players in your Dream Foursome?
John Daly, Tiger Woods and Bill Murray. Honorable mentions: Rory McIlory and Jordan Spieth.
Brian Kennedy
Where did you grow up? Where did you go to school?
I grew up in Sammamish, Washington, a small town outside of Seattle, and lived in Los Angeles for a bit as well. I went to the University of Oregon and recently received my bachelor’s degree in sports business. I currently live at home with my mom and dad in Sammamish and have a Bernese mountain dog – her name is Gretl!
What is your favorite thing about the game of golf? How did you become interested in the golf industry?
My favorite thing about the game of golf is how relaxing it can be – it is always my No. 1 hobby I will look to when I have time off from work. I have worked at Aldarra Golf Club for the past three summers, working on the greens crew. I’ve been playing golf since I was young, but my interest in the sport took off in high school, when I made the golf team, playing on it for two years. It helped me learn how to play the game correctly, and I started to love going out and playing every day.
Who would be the other three players in your Dream Foursome?
It would be myself, Steph Curry, Peyton Manning, and the GOAT, Tom Brady.