Summer means one thing – golf season is in full effect. Across the country, millions will tee it up trying to hone their games, break that allusive milestone of shooting in the nineties for the first time, or maybe it’s breaking 80, or just trying to get a ball in the air for the first time. The longer days are built for memories made on the golf course – whether you’re picking up a club for the first time or playing competitively across the country. As part of their experiences, a select few PGA WORKS Fellows are gaining invaluable access and exposure to one of the game’s most lucrative junior tours – the Underrated Golf Tour presented by KPMG.
The tour is rooted in making golf more inclusive by broadening access to competitive golf for individuals of all backgrounds, including those who have demonstrated leadership on and off the golf course and have overcome personal adversity and family hardship. Underrated Golf believes the game of golf is for everyone, but we know that there is significant work to be done to make it an inclusive, fair and inspiring sport for all. We are building that foundation from the bottom up, offering young, overlooked golfers special programming experiences including an ongoing speaker series and networking events with brands and corporations, allowing them to understand what it means to make connections and build a successful career.
Similar to PGA WORKS, Underrated Golf is about access, equity and opportunity as they forge paths for individuals to be successful and chase their dreams. The game of golf is helping us ensure that these dreams are within reach. Over the coming weeks as the Underrated Golf Tour makes its stops across the United States, our PGA WORKS Fellows will be there to get an exclusive look at how these high-level events are brought to life – getting exposure to tournament operations and so much more.
Follow along all summer on PGA WORKS social media and hear first-hand from our PGA WORKS Fellows.
University of Florida — Gainesville, Florida
June 30 - July 2, 2026
For Shelby Garcia of the Carolinas Section and Lauren Ehrman of the Southern Ohio Section, they kicked things off for us in the Swamp at Mark Bostick Golf Course. The two describe their time as both enlightening and challenging, getting to see what all goes in to a high-level event. Take a closer look at a day in their lives.
Working the UGT event in Florida was an unforgettable experience that completely exceeded my expectations. This opportunity through PGA WORKS has not only built my confidence but has opened up exciting new doors for my career that I can’t wait to explore.
My time in Gainesville gave me a clearer picture of where I see myself in the golf industry and reinforced my passion for creating opportunities that make the game more accessible for the next generation of golfers.
Troon North Golf Club — Scottsdale, Arizona
July 13 - 15, 2026
Next up, Dakota Holbrook and Emmett Noone met up in the desert at Troon North Golf Club to get a taste of what the Underrated Tour is all about. Emmett coming from the Philadelphia Section and Dakota coming the Central New York Section, they said this experience was one that opened their eyes to the opportunities that these young athletes have access to, and having the trust put in them to help run these events is a boost of confidence for their future careers.
Seeing the operation behind the scenes and witnessing the incredible opportunities they provide for young athletes was truly eye-opening. I’m thankful I had the chance to see the impact first-hand.
Working the Underrated Golf Tour was an incredible experience that gave me valuable hands-on exposure to tournament operations. Being trusted with different responsibilities throughout the week helped me grow professionally and reinforced the importance of teamwork, communication and attention to detail. I’m incredibly grateful and know this experience has prepared me for future opportunities.
Seaview Golf Club — Galloway, New Jersey
July 21 - 23, 2026
The third stop on the United States Tour landed in the northeast at Seaview Golf Club just outside of Atlantic City, New Jersey. Both Makenna Jones of the New Jersey PGA Section and Grace Stetler of the Philadelphia Section left their marks on an exciting few days with the Underrated Tour team. The two reflected on their time as a way to build their skills and shape their careers. From event management to and relationship-building skills – the two were able to gain experience that they will take for the rest of their careers.
Working the Underrated Tour event was an incredible opportunity to grow both personally and professionally. It allowed me to strengthen my event management and relationship-building skills while seeing first-hand the impact the game of golf can have in bringing people together. Experiences like this continue to shape my career and reinforce my passion for growing the game.
Having the opportunity to work the Underrated Tour was truly an honor. I thoroughly enjoyed interacting with the families and golfers, hearing their stories, and learning what inspires their love for the game. I’m grateful to have been a part of such a meaningful experience.
Hillcrest Country Club — Los Angeles, California
In sunny Los Angeles, the final regional stop for the Underrated Tour were visited by our two PGA WORKS Fellows from the Northern California and Southern California PGA Sections, Madalyn Neufeld and Faith Lester. From course setup to tournament operations and more – the two said that this experience was eye-opening on more levels that they expected, proving that golf continues to be the ultimate platform to opening doors for young athletes and future leaders.
Being a part of the Underrated Golf Tour was nothing short of a special experience. From watching incredible talent and making meaningful connections, to seeing firsthand how the Tour creates opportunities and gives young players a platform to grow. I’m incredibly grateful to have been a small part of it and to walk away with so many memories and lessons.
This experience was really about the kids and giving talented young golfers a chance to compete, gain exposure, and show that their potential shouldn’t be defined by their background or access level. What makes the Underrated Tour so special is seeing these boys and girls get the kind of opportunity, confidence, and experience that can change the trajectory of their golf careers.
Check back in on this blog throughout the summer to see updates from our PGA WORKS Fellows as they get to work the Underrated Tour. Learn More About PGA WORKS →
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