As we near the end of competition on Whistling Straits’ two championship golf courses, the PGA WORKS Collegiate Championship has yet again generated a surge of momentum for future leaders. While competition remains a cornerstone of the nearly 40-year old championship, and trophies will be raised at the end of today’s Final Round – opportunity, access and honoring the legacy of those who have pioneered the way forward all continue to be integral themes creating an unmatched experience for student-athletes in this one-of-a-kind championship.
Before golf balls are teed up and the competitive juices really settle in, one could argue it is all which comes before the first round that really capture the spirit of the PGA WORKS Collegiate Championship.
Saturday, Youth Day
Starting with Youth Day held on Saturday before the Championship at Whistling Straits is part celebration and invitation. Designed to be an introduction to the game, Youth Day invites surrounding community groups and organizations so kids can see all that the game of golf has to offer. From crushing drives to sinking putts for the very first time, there’s no better way to create meaningful exposure to the game, and the PGA WORKS Collegiate Championship provides a perfect backdrop.
The well-numbered staff of PGA of America Members and Blackwolf Run from Whistling Straits all teamed up to provide a memorable experience through golf for the boys and girls to learn the basics of the game– many of whom had never even touched a golf club before. Additionally, the students were able to learn about career opportunities from PGA of America Career Consultants.
“Hosting Youth Day in conjunction with the PGA WORKS Collegiate Championship aligns perfectly with one of our strategic initiatives, which is to grow the game and introduce it to new communities,” says Mike O’ Reilly, PGA General Manager at Whistling Straits and Blackwolf Run. “We have a large staff of PGA of America Members and Associates, so this is a great opportunity for them to give back as well. We continuously strive to bring more individuals to the game and this is just another way for us to achieve this goal for the larger Wisconsin community.”
Sunday Morning, Beyond The Green
Sunday morning brought with it a spirit of creativity and charm as PGA WORKS Beyond The Green welcomed students from the Pearls Group of Milwaukee and MKE Fellows to the Kohler Design Center for a one-of-a-kind experience. A statement all its own, the Design Center is three stories of pure inspiration, meets history, meets style and provides the ultimate stage for the students to take in all the golf industry and beyond has to offer them.
Beyond The Green is PGA WORKS’s signature career connection event held in conjunction with select PGA of America Championships where students from the host community can explore what golf and other industries can offer. Beyond The Green strives to make a sustainable impact in our host championship markets by partnering with local organizations to provide students access to industry leaders, executives and influencers so they can pursue careers in golf and beyond.
The day began with some opening remarks from PGA of America Secretary, Eric Eshleman, PGA followed by some breathwork exercises and a tour of the design center where students got to take in all that Kohler is, and get to know some of the history around what has made the brand one of the most powerful in the world. The students then enjoyed a panel discussion led by Corinne Milien, Founder of LetsDoWRK, and Mike O’Reilly. The panel led the group through activities spanning from creating a mood board, to goal setting and more.
The group then transitioned to Blackwolf Run, where the students were led through golf instruction led by expert PGA of America Golf Professionals – what a day, indeed.
Sunday Evening, Career Showcase & Welcome Celebration
The evening before the Opening Round of the 2025 PGA WORKS Collegiate Championship, the student-athletes had the chance to network with industry professionals from over 10 different employers – both in golf and beyond golf. Additionally, the Kohler team provided a Taste of Wisconsin dinner where students could visit various food stations and enjoy all the culinary creations from Kohler’s talented hospitality team.
To wrap up the evening, student-athletes and coaches heard live remarks from PGA of America CEO, Derek Sprague, PGA and David Kohler, CEO of Kohler Co. Finally, PGA of America Golf Professional Mark Nance, who also is one of the founders of the Championship, former PGA WORKS Fellow Taylor Harvey and golf broadcaster Doug Smith shared a panel together. The group talked about the different ways the championship has made an impact on their lives, and how the students can take full advantage of the golf industry to lead them to a successful career.
The ultimate goal is to create opportunities in different fields for the students competing. That’s what this whole tournament is about – they don’t have to be the best golfer in the world to work in the golf industry. Sometimes you have to step outside of your comfort zone to realize your full potential and that’s exactly what this Championship was created for.
Through PGA WORKS, we are committed to helping equip the next generation of leaders. It’s our why behind being as intentional as possible when it comes to opening doors for new professionals to make an impact on the golf industry and beyond. We’re serious about establishing golf as both a game and a business open for anyone – and it takes all of us to get there. Learn more →