2027 Long-Term Championship Intern

About this role:

The USGA is hiring five (5) Championship Interns for the 2027 season. From February through October, interns carry real responsibility for the administration of our national championships — managing qualifying, serving the competitors and Allied Golf Associations, and working on site at championships alongside the staff and volunteers who conduct them. For anyone considering a career in golf administration, this internship is among the most direct routes into the industry, with hands-on training in sports management, championship operations, volunteer management and customer service.

Travel is a substantial component of the role — an estimated 45 to 50+ days across the season in support of multiple championships. Relocation to New Jersey is not required, though local candidates benefit from additional networking and on-site opportunities by working out of USGA headquarters in Liberty Corner, NJ. All successful candidates will attend a one-week orientation at USGA Headquarters that includes structured training, department briefings and time with staff from across the organization.

What you'll do:

The USGA Championships Department is accountable for the experience of every competitor, fan and Allied Golf Association at a USGA Championship. Interns build genuine depth across event operations, player relations, business analytics, communication and volunteer management. Each intern also completes a capstone project during the season and presents it to USGA staff.

Golf House and Remote:

• Administer the qualifying process, championship entries, exemptions and competitor customer service in partnership with the Championship Administration team.
• Serve as a point of contact for players, parents and agents, key stakeholders including Allied Golf Associations, qualifying host clubs, domestic and international tours, and USGA staff across departments.
• Contribute to the weekly compilation of the World Amateur Golf Rankings (WAGR).
• Prepare, organize, order, inventory and ship championship equipment.

Championship Support:

• Support on-site championship operations at approximately three to five championships, including equipment inventory and management, golf course marking and setup, player services, event operations, scoring and administration of the Rules Office.
• Work directly with USGA championship staff, host club staff and leadership, and lead championship volunteers.
• Train volunteers on scoring procedures, on-course status boards and operating standards.
• Represent the USGA Championships team professionally and positively at all times.

Pay: $18.00/hr, subject to applicable New Jersey wage and overtime laws 

Internship Dates: February 1, 2027 - October 2027 (flexible start and end dates)

Location:  Liberty Corner, New Jersey is preferred; Remote candidates will also be considered.

Schedule and Travel:

Championship Interns work a 40-hour week for the duration of the internship and travel to three to five championships during the season. On-site weeks routinely exceed 40 hours and include weekends and holidays. All interns are expected to travel to USGA headquarters in Liberty Corner, New Jersey for training. The USGA covers or reimburses all travel and championship related expenses.

The ability to work out of our headquarters in Liberty Corner, NJ, is valuable to both the team and the intern, and is highly encouraged for local candidates or those able to relocate for the duration of the internship. If interns are not local to the New Jersey area, reasonable access to a domestic airport is required.

What you bring:

• Currently enrolled in, or have recently completed, a Bachelor's degree
• Competitive or administrative golf experience, or a clear interest in a career in golf administration, the Rules of Golf and championship operations.
• The ability to work independently while supporting the team around you.
• Effective communication with a wide range of individuals involved in conducting a national championship.
• Strong follow-up skills, and the ability to resolve issues quickly and calmly.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook.
• A valid driver’s license (a REAL ID or passport is required for air travel).
• Access to a reliable motor vehicle (local applicants).
• A demonstrated ability to follow and execute detailed plans, and to anticipate problems and offer sound, logical solutions.
• The composure to work well under pressure and to adapt as conditions change.
• A strong work ethic — resourceful, professional, courteous, personable and organized.