Sights & Sounds: The Weekend Before the PGA WORKS Collegiate Championship

Setting the tone for a Championship that’s been inspiring generations.

KOHLER, WI - MAY 04: PGA WORKS signage during the PGA WORKS Collegiate Championship Career Showcase & Welcome Celebration at The Beacon on Sunday, May 4, 2025 in Kohler, Wisconsin. (Photo by Ryan Lochhead/PGA of America)

As we near the end of competition on Whistling Straits’ two championship golf courses, the PGA WORKS Collegiate Championship has yet again generated more and more momentum for the next generation of 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 creaing an unmatched experience for student-athletes in this one-of-a-kind championship.

Before 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.

KOHLER, WI - MAY 03: Youth Day during the PGA WORKS Collegiate Championship at Whistling Straits on Saturday, May 3, 2025 in Kohler, Wisconsin. (Photo by Ryan Lochhead/PGA of America)
KOHLER, WI - MAY 03: Group photo during Youth Day during the PGA WORKS Collegiate Championship at Whistling Straits on Saturday, May 3, 2025 in Kohler, Wisconsin.
KOHLER, WI - MAY 03: Will Lowery speaks at Youth Day during the PGA WORKS Collegiate Championship at Whistling Straits on Saturday, May 3, 2025 in Kohler, Wisconsin.
KOHLER, WI - MAY 03: Roger Steele speaks at Youth Day during the PGA WORKS Collegiate Championship at Whistling Straits on Saturday, May 3, 2025 in Kohler, Wisconsin.
KOHLER, WI - MAY 03: Clay Myers watches his shot at Youth Day during the PGA WORKS Collegiate Championship at Whistling Straits on Saturday, May 3, 2025 in Kohler, Wisconsin.
KOHLER, WI - MAY 03: Youth Day participants pose for a photograph during the PGA WORKS Collegiate Championship at Whistling Straits on Saturday, May 3, 2025 in Kohler, Wisconsin.
KOHLER, WI - MAY 03: Youth Day during the PGA WORKS Collegiate Championship at Whistling Straits on Saturday, May 3, 2025 in Kohler, Wisconsin.
KOHLER, WI - MAY 03: Scenery during Youth Day during the PGA WORKS Collegiate Championship at Whistling Straits on Saturday, May 3, 2025 in Kohler, Wisconsin.
KOHLER, WI - MAY 03: Youth Day during the PGA WORKS Collegiate Championship at Whistling Straits on Saturday, May 3, 2025 in Kohler, Wisconsin.
KOHLER, WI - MAY 03: Youth Day during the PGA WORKS Collegiate Championship at Whistling Straits on Saturday, May 3, 2025 in Kohler, Wisconsin.
KOHLER, WI - MAY 03: David Bach takes a swing at Youth Dayduring the PGA WORKS Collegiate Championship at Whistling Straits on Saturday, May 3, 2025 in Kohler, Wisconsin.
KOHLER, WI - MAY 03: Mascots during Youth Day during the PGA WORKS Collegiate Championship at Whistling Straits on Saturday, May 3, 2025 in Kohler, Wisconsin.
KOHLER, WI - MAY 03: During Youth Day during the PGA WORKS Collegiate Championship at Whistling Straits on Saturday, May 3, 2025 in Kohler, Wisconsin.
KOHLER, WI - MAY 03: David Bach, Clay Myers, Will Lowery, Mackenzie Mack, Roger Steele and Doug Smith pose for a photograph at Youth Day during the PGA WORKS Collegiate Championship at Whistling Straits on Saturday, May 3, 2025 in Kohler, Wisconsin.
KOHLER, WI - MAY 03: Youth Day during the PGA WORKS Collegiate Championship at Whistling Straits on Saturday, May 3, 2025 in Kohler, Wisconsin. (Photo by Ryan Lochhead/PGA of America)
Ryan Lochhead/PGA of America/PGA
KOHLER, WI - MAY 03: Group photo during Youth Day during the PGA WORKS Collegiate Championship at Whistling Straits on Saturday, May 3, 2025 in Kohler, Wisconsin.
Ryan Lochhead/PGA of America/PGA
KOHLER, WI - MAY 03: Will Lowery speaks at Youth Day during the PGA WORKS Collegiate Championship at Whistling Straits on Saturday, May 3, 2025 in Kohler, Wisconsin.
Ryan Lochhead/PGA of America/PGA
KOHLER, WI - MAY 03: Roger Steele speaks at Youth Day during the PGA WORKS Collegiate Championship at Whistling Straits on Saturday, May 3, 2025 in Kohler, Wisconsin. (Photo by Ryan Lochhead/PGA of America)
Ryan Lochhead/PGA of America/PGA
KOHLER, WI - MAY 03: Clay Myers watches his shot at Youth Day during the PGA WORKS Collegiate Championship at Whistling Straits on Saturday, May 3, 2025 in Kohler, Wisconsin.
Ryan Lochhead/PGA of America/PGA
KOHLER, WI - MAY 03: Youth Day participants pose for a photograph during the PGA WORKS Collegiate Championship at Whistling Straits on Saturday, May 3, 2025 in Kohler, Wisconsin. (Photo by Ryan Lochhead/PGA of America)
Ryan Lochhead/PGA of America/PGA
KOHLER, WI - MAY 03: Youth Day during the PGA WORKS Collegiate Championship at Whistling Straits on Saturday, May 3, 2025 in Kohler, Wisconsin. (Photo by Ryan Lochhead/PGA of America)
Ryan Lochhead/PGA of America/PGA
KOHLER, WI - MAY 03: Scenery during Youth Day during the PGA WORKS Collegiate Championship at Whistling Straits on Saturday, May 3, 2025 in Kohler, Wisconsin. (Photo by Ryan Lochhead/PGA of America)
Ryan Lochhead/PGA of America/PGA
KOHLER, WI - MAY 03: Youth Day during the PGA WORKS Collegiate Championship at Whistling Straits on Saturday, May 3, 2025 in Kohler, Wisconsin. (Photo by Ryan Lochhead/PGA of America)
Ryan Lochhead/PGA of America/PGA
KOHLER, WI - MAY 03: Youth Day during the PGA WORKS Collegiate Championship at Whistling Straits on Saturday, May 3, 2025 in Kohler, Wisconsin. (Photo by Ryan Lochhead/PGA of America)
Ryan Lochhead/PGA of America/PGA
KOHLER, WI - MAY 03: David Bach takes a swing at Youth Dayduring the PGA WORKS Collegiate Championship at Whistling Straits on Saturday, May 3, 2025 in Kohler, Wisconsin.
Ryan Lochhead/PGA of America/PGA
KOHLER, WI - MAY 03: Mascots during Youth Day during the PGA WORKS Collegiate Championship at Whistling Straits on Saturday, May 3, 2025 in Kohler, Wisconsin.
Ryan Lochhead/PGA of America/PGA
KOHLER, WI - MAY 03: During Youth Day during the PGA WORKS Collegiate Championship at Whistling Straits on Saturday, May 3, 2025 in Kohler, Wisconsin. (Photo by Ryan Lochhead/PGA of America)
Ryan Lochhead/PGA of America/PGA
KOHLER, WI - MAY 03: David Bach, Clay Myers, Will Lowery, Mackenzie Mack, Roger Steele and Doug Smith pose for a photograph at Youth Day during the PGA WORKS Collegiate Championship at Whistling Straits on Saturday, May 3, 2025 in Kohler, Wisconsin. (Photo by Ryan Lochhead/PGA of America)
Ryan Lochhead/PGA of America/PGA

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.

PGA WORKS Signage in front of the Kohler Design Center during PGA WORKS Beyond The Green in Kohler, WI. (Hayden Lewis, PGA / PGA of America)
PGA WORKS Fellows Nyah Singh, Cameron Lowery, and Taylor Harvey pose in front of the Kohler Design Center during PGA WORKS Beyond The Green in Kohler, WI. (Hayden Lewis, PGA / PGA of America)
Students from Pearls MKE and MKE Fellows gather outside the Kohler Design Center in Kohler, WI. (Hayden Lewis, PGA / PGA of America)
PGA WORKS signage inside the Kohler Design Center during PGA WORKS Beyond The Green in Kohler, WI. (Hayden Lewis, PGA / PGA of America)
Students enjoy a tour of the Kohler Design Center during PGA WORKS Beyond The Green in Kohler, WI. (Hayden Lewis, PGA / PGA of America)
Students enjoy a tour of the Kohler Design Center during PGA WORKS Beyond The Green in Kohler, WI. (Hayden Lewis, PGA / PGA of America)
A student during an activity at PGA WORKS Beyond The Green at the Kohler Design Center in Kohler, WI. (Hayden Lewis, PGA / PGA of America)
Students during an activity at PGA WORKS Beyond The Green at the Kohler Design Center in Kohler, WI. (Hayden Lewis, PGA / PGA of America)
PGA WORKS Signage in front of the Kohler Design Center during PGA WORKS Beyond The Green in Kohler, WI. (Hayden Lewis, PGA / PGA of America)
PGA WORKS Fellows Nyah Singh, Cameron Lowery, and Taylor Harvey pose in front of the Kohler Design Center during PGA WORKS Beyond The Green in Kohler, WI. (Hayden Lewis, PGA / PGA of America)
Students from Pearls MKE and MKE Fellows gather outside the Kohler Design Center in Kohler, WI. (Hayden Lewis, PGA / PGA of America)
PGA WORKS signage inside the Kohler Design Center during PGA WORKS Beyond The Green in Kohler, WI. (Hayden Lewis, PGA / PGA of America)
Students enjoy a tour of the Kohler Design Center during PGA WORKS Beyond The Green in Kohler, WI. (Hayden Lewis, PGA / PGA of America)
Students enjoy a tour of the Kohler Design Center during PGA WORKS Beyond The Green in Kohler, WI. (Hayden Lewis, PGA / PGA of America)
A student during an activity at PGA WORKS Beyond The Green at the Kohler Design Center in Kohler, WI. (Hayden Lewis, PGA / PGA of America)
Students during an activity at PGA WORKS Beyond The Green at the Kohler Design Center in Kohler, WI. (Hayden Lewis, PGA / PGA of America)

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.

KOHLER, WI - MAY 04: Golf Broadcaster Doug Smith speaks on stage with Taylor Harvey for their panel discussion during the PGA WORKS Collegiate Championship Career Showcase & Welcome Celebration at The Beacon on Sunday, May 4, 2025 in Kohler, Wisconsin.
KOHLER, WI - MAY 04: The PWCC Career Showcase card challenge during the PGA WORKS Collegiate Championship Career Showcase & Welcome Celebration at The Beacon on Sunday, May 4, 2025 in Kohler, Wisconsin.
KOHLER, WI - MAY 04: Mark Nance, Taylor Harvey, and Golf Broadcaster Doug Smith speak on stage for their panel discussion during the PGA WORKS Collegiate Championship Career Showcase & Welcome Celebration at The Beacon on Sunday, May 4, 2025 in Kohler, Wisconsin. (Photo by Ryan Lochhead/PGA of America)
KOHLER, WI - MAY 04: PGA of America Chief Executive Officer Derek Sprague, PGA, speaks on stage during the PGA WORKS Collegiate Championship Career Showcase & Welcome Celebration at The Beacon on Sunday, May 4, 2025 in Kohler, Wisconsin.
KOHLER, WI - MAY 04: Players during the PGA WORKS Collegiate Championship Career Showcase & Welcome Celebration at The Beacon on Sunday, May 4, 2025 in Kohler, Wisconsin.
KOHLER, WI - MAY 04: The stage microphone during the PGA WORKS Collegiate Championship Career Showcase & Welcome Celebration at The Beacon on Sunday, May 4, 2025 in Kohler, Wisconsin.
KOHLER, WI - MAY 04: Taylor Harvey with players during the PGA WORKS Collegiate Championship Career Showcase & Welcome Celebration at The Beacon on Sunday, May 4, 2025 in Kohler, Wisconsin.
KOHLER, WI - MAY 04: PGA WORKS signage during the PGA WORKS Collegiate Championship Career Showcase & Welcome Celebration at The Beacon on Sunday, May 4, 2025 in Kohler, Wisconsin.
KOHLER, WI - MAY 04: CEO of Kohler David Kohler speaks on stage during the PGA WORKS Collegiate Championship Career Showcase & Welcome Celebration at The Beacon on Sunday, May 4, 2025 in Kohler, Wisconsin.
KOHLER, WI - MAY 04: Kohler staff member Ken Wilson with a player during the PGA WORKS Collegiate Championship Career Showcase & Welcome Celebration at The Beacon on Sunday, May 4, 2025 in Kohler, Wisconsin.
KOHLER, WI - MAY 04: DJ Steve Sills dances with players and attendees during the PGA WORKS Collegiate Championship Career Showcase & Welcome Celebration at The Beacon on Sunday, May 4, 2025 in Kohler, Wisconsin.
KOHLER, WI - MAY 04: Marketing Specialist at the Milwaukee Bucks Rachel Beers speaks with players during the PGA WORKS Collegiate Championship Career Showcase & Welcome Celebration at The Beacon on Sunday, May 4, 2025 in Kohler, Wisconsin.
KOHLER, WI - MAY 04: Golf Broadcaster Doug Smith speaks on stage with Taylor Harvey for their panel discussion during the PGA WORKS Collegiate Championship Career Showcase & Welcome Celebration at The Beacon on Sunday, May 4, 2025 in Kohler, Wisconsin.
Ryan Lochhead/PGA of America/PGA
KOHLER, WI - MAY 04: The PWCC Career Showcase card challenge during the PGA WORKS Collegiate Championship Career Showcase & Welcome Celebration at The Beacon on Sunday, May 4, 2025 in Kohler, Wisconsin. (Photo by Ryan Lochhead/PGA of America)
Ryan Lochhead/PGA of America/PGA
KOHLER, WI - MAY 04: Mark Nance, Taylor Harvey, and Golf Broadcaster Doug Smith speak on stage for their panel discussion during the PGA WORKS Collegiate Championship Career Showcase & Welcome Celebration at The Beacon on Sunday, May 4, 2025 in Kohler, Wisconsin. (Photo by Ryan Lochhead/PGA of America)
Ryan Lochhead/PGA of America/PGA
KOHLER, WI - MAY 04: PGA of America Chief Executive Officer Derek Sprague, PGA, speaks on stage during the PGA WORKS Collegiate Championship Career Showcase & Welcome Celebration at The Beacon on Sunday, May 4, 2025 in Kohler, Wisconsin. (Photo by Ryan Lochhead/PGA of America)
Ryan Lochhead/PGA of America/PGA
KOHLER, WI - MAY 04: Players during the PGA WORKS Collegiate Championship Career Showcase & Welcome Celebration at The Beacon on Sunday, May 4, 2025 in Kohler, Wisconsin. (Photo by Ryan Lochhead/PGA of America)
Ryan Lochhead/PGA of America/PGA
KOHLER, WI - MAY 04: The stage microphone during the PGA WORKS Collegiate Championship Career Showcase & Welcome Celebration at The Beacon on Sunday, May 4, 2025 in Kohler, Wisconsin.
Ryan Lochhead/PGA of America/PGA
KOHLER, WI - MAY 04: Taylor Harvey with players during the PGA WORKS Collegiate Championship Career Showcase & Welcome Celebration at The Beacon on Sunday, May 4, 2025 in Kohler, Wisconsin. (Photo by Ryan Lochhead/PGA of America)
Ryan Lochhead/PGA of America/PGA
KOHLER, WI - MAY 04: PGA WORKS signage during the PGA WORKS Collegiate Championship Career Showcase & Welcome Celebration at The Beacon on Sunday, May 4, 2025 in Kohler, Wisconsin.
Ryan Lochhead/PGA of America/PGA
KOHLER, WI - MAY 04: CEO of Kohler David Kohler speaks on stage during the PGA WORKS Collegiate Championship Career Showcase & Welcome Celebration at The Beacon on Sunday, May 4, 2025 in Kohler, Wisconsin.
Ryan Lochhead/PGA of America/PGA
KOHLER, WI - MAY 04: Kohler staff member Ken Wilson with a player during the PGA WORKS Collegiate Championship Career Showcase & Welcome Celebration at The Beacon on Sunday, May 4, 2025 in Kohler, Wisconsin.
Ryan Lochhead/PGA of America/PGA
KOHLER, WI - MAY 04: DJ Steve Sills dances with players and attendees during the PGA WORKS Collegiate Championship Career Showcase & Welcome Celebration at The Beacon on Sunday, May 4, 2025 in Kohler, Wisconsin.
Ryan Lochhead/PGA of America/PGA
KOHLER, WI - MAY 04: Marketing Specialist at the Milwaukee Bucks Rachel Beers speaks with players during the PGA WORKS Collegiate Championship Career Showcase & Welcome Celebration at The Beacon on Sunday, May 4, 2025 in Kohler, Wisconsin.
Ryan Lochhead/PGA of America/PGA

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.
Mark Nance, PGA | PGA WORKS Ambassador


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 →