Coming Full Circle: GOLFWORKS Interns to Boatwright Interns
David Haden (left) and Ashley Holguin (right) were Boatright Interns in 2023.
ELMSFORD, N.Y. (January 17, 2024) – David Haden and Ashley Holguin spent the summer working as P.J. Boatwright interns at the MGA, assisting with day-to-day operations and projects during the busy summer season. For both David and Ashley, their introductions to the golf industry happened during their high school years, when both participated in the MGA Foundation’s GOLFWORKS student intern program.
GOLFORKS places high school students at participating MGA member clubs, where interns join the seasonal staff and work in a variety of roles ranging from the golf shop, bag room or grounds crew to the kitchen or accounting department. GOLFWORKS provides an introduction to the golf industry as well as meaningful summer employment and an opportunity for self-development.
David, now studying at Gettysburg College in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, interned at Crestmont Country Club in West Orange, New Jersey and Green Brook Country Club in North Caldwell, New Jersey throughout high school, where he was introduced to golf while working in the bag room and as a caddie. This summer, he assisted the MGA’s member services department with various member events and customer support. David was introduced to the GHIN system, the MGA’s course rating process, and worked at events like member Play Days and beginner clinics. He was able to see a different side of the industry, using his experience at Crestmont and Green Brook to continue to provide a positive golfer experience, while learning more about the game along the way. “It was full circle, seeing it from the actual, physical side, and then behind the scenes with the organization,” he said.
After four summers working in the golf shop and on the driving range at Metropolis Country Club in White Plains, New York. Ashley brought her skills to the MGA and worked with the MGA Foundation’s team. She contributed to various projects and events throughout the summer before returning to Binghamton University in Binghamton, New York. For one of her projects, Ashley helped form an alumni group for former GOLFWORKS interns. “Getting to help out with the GOLFWORKS program that I previously was an intern with was a highlight" Ashley said. "So, it's kind of full circle to have started when I was 14 to then help with that program."
Ashley's sister, Marisol, was inspired to follow in her footsteps and was a GOLFWORKS intern, too. "It’s cool to see, especially since she knows how highly I speak of my experiences at Metropolis. She started there in the same pro shop I worked in, and this summer she interned with the Women’s Metropolitan Golf Association (WMGA)."
David and Ashley returned to college at the end of the summer with new skills they gained from their internships. “Golf and these jobs helped me with connections, some close friends included, and communication skills,” David said. “Golf has helped my life a lot, my experiences in the summer have helped.”
David and Ashley have high ambitions for their futures and will certainly make an impact in their respective fields. David plans to pursue law school after his undergraduate study with his sights set on becoming a sports attorney, while Ashley is pursuing her degree in integrative neuroscience and plans to study to become a physician assistant.
The USGA P.J. Boatwright Internship Program introduces individuals to careers in golf administration which assisting Allied Golf Associations (AGAs) with various needs throughout the golf season.
For more information on the GOLFWORKS program, click here. The MGA is looking to fill current internships for the 2024 season. Click here for more details.