Pathways Discover Internship Program

The USGA is a mission-based golf organization whose purpose is to unify the golf community through handicapping and grassroots programs; to showcase the game’s best talent through the U.S. Open, U.S. Women’s Open and 13 other national championships and our museum; to provide unbiased global governance with The R&A through the playing, equipment and Amateur Status rules; and to advance issues important to golf’s future, with a focus on driving sustainability, accessibility and inclusion. As a nonprofit association, our work and our team are driven to act for the good of the game. The USGA’s headquarters are located in Liberty Corner, NJ, with a recently opened campus in Pinehurst, NC. For more, visit usga.org. 

Recent studies show that the game of golf employs 1.6 million people in the U.S. but only a small fraction are held by those from underrepresented communities. As part of the ongoing effort to address those imbalances and foster a more inclusive game, the USGA annually hires students to participate in the Pathways Discover Internship Program at the U.S. Open Championship.

The primary mission of the program is to expose college and graduate school students to the multitude of job opportunities and pathways in the business of golf. The USGA is committed to continue the program in 2026 at the U.S. Open and advancing continued long-term change in the golf industry by creating pathways to careers beyond the tee.  

The Pathways Discover Program is a one of a kind 10 day internship, held during the U.S. Open in Shinnecock Hills, New York (June 12-22, 2026). The program aims to create a behind-the-scenes U.S. Open experience for college and graduate students from underrepresented backgrounds in golf by: 

• Exposure to numerous career opportunities within the industry. 

• Providing classroom and real-world opportunities to enhance their professional development capabilities. 

• Creating networking opportunities with industry leaders in the Raleigh/Charlotte community. 

• Providing career building opportunities with pre-identified segmented championship leaders. 

The USGA is a leader in the global golf industry, whose purpose is to unify the game, showcase the best talent in golf, provide impartial governance and advance our impact on critical issues such as sustainability, accessibility and inclusion.   

Components of the program will come to life through the following:  

• Leadership and Navigating the Corporate World 

• Career Development Sessions 

• Industry Leadership Panels 

• Community Impact Opportunity 

• Professional Networking Opportunities 

• ‘On-The-Job-Training” and Shadowing Experiences 

• Case Study Pitch Competition

What you bring to the USGA:  

• Demonstrated maturity, dependability, integrity, and initiative to learn. 

• Ability to positively contribute to a work environment that emphasizes teamwork, respect for differences, and accepting and giving constructive feedback. 

• No prior experience working in golf is required, but a demonstration of strong interest in working in sports is preferred. 

• Enrolled in an undergraduate (rising sophomore or above) or graduate program at an accredited college or university. 

Program Specifics 

• Dates: June 12–22, 2026 (arrival: Friday, June 12; departure: Monday, June 22) 

• This is an unpaid internship. Interns receive a stipend to help offset expenses.

• The following will be paid by the USGA:  

• • • If not from the local Shinnecock Hills area - roundtrip travel from home airport/train/bus station 
    • Room and board for the duration of the program 
    • Meals, snacks and related program expenses 
    • Intern uniforms will be provided 

Application Timeline

• Application Period: September 3, 2025 – December 31, 2025

• Completed applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. 

• The Selection Committee will conduct virtual interviews with the final pool of candidates. 

• All offers will be extended by Friday, March 13, 2026. 

As part of the application process, you’ll be asked to answer 8 open-ended questions. These are designed to help us get to know you—your ideas, your perspective, and your voice. We strongly encourage you to answer honestly and in your own words, without the use of AI tools. We’re not looking for “perfect” answers—we’re looking for your authentic thoughts and experiences. 

The USGA is an equal opportunity employer. Our organization believes we are stronger by embracing our diverse backgrounds and perspectives, promoting equity so all teammates can excel and grow in their careers, and fostering experiences to drive inclusion in our workplace and game. Golf is a game for everyone, and you are always welcome.