Why Taylor Harvey’s Golf Journey was Always Meant to Be

Have you ever had a right-place, right-time moment?

It could be as simple as bumping into an old friend at the store – leading to a meaningful conversation and making up for lost time. Or a good samaritan picking up someone’s dropped wallet on the street. These instances can happen every day and – if we allow them to – will stop us to stop in our tracks, and make us think to ourselves, “If it wasn’t for this moment, my life would look very different.”

Taylor Harvey is no stranger to this expression. In fact, one could argue it’s the reason she is where her feet stand to this day. It’s the reason all of us are where we are today – but Taylor seems to have figured out the secret sauce.

Growing up in the Phoenix area, Taylor was introduced to the game by her father who had won tickets to attend the PGA Tour’s WM Phoenix Open. As Taylor and her family are experiencing one of golf’s most entertaining events, they run across a First Tee of Phoenix tent set up in the tournament’s expo. “From there, it was kind of just meant to be,” says Taylor.

She was eight years old – right place, right time.

She grew up in the game and enjoyed her time as a junior golfer, but also got to travel across the country playing on some of the most iconic golf courses in the country. Her high school team won State two years in a row, and her game eventually landed her at an AJGA showcase where she caught the eye of women’s head golf coach at Prairie View A&M University, Kevin Jennings. Taylor credits Coach Jennings with taking her playing career to the next level when she was offered a full-ride scholarship to play golf.

Taylor says she’s grateful to have started her career in HBCU golf at a place like Prairie View A&M. “It was eye-opening for me,” says Taylor. “Coming from Arizona, you kind of see the same demographic week-in and week-out when you play, but it was cool to know there are so many other people in minority golf who have shared experiences – it opened my eyes to all that the game has to offer. Playing at HBCU’s allowed me to really embrace my heritage and make me appreciate every part of myself, and learn that representation is just as important in the game of golf.”

From competing in the Southwest Showcase at Cedar Crest Golf Course in Dallas, Texas to continuing her college career at Delaware State University, where she obtained a masters degree – she says the opportunities continued to flow in. Throughout her time as a student-athlete, there was always one event that stood out among the rest – the PGA WORKS Collegiate Championship. “This was always the one event we all would look forward to every year – it’s such a memorable week for all the athletes.”

During her last year at Delaware State at the 2024 PGA WORKS Collegiate Championship, fate came tapping Taylor on the shoulder once again when she crossed paths with Derek Gutierrez, PGA of America Member and General Manager at both Twin Warriors Golf Club and Santa Ana Golf Club just outside of Albuquerque, New Mexico. Derek knew from the get-go Taylor would be a perfect fit for the PGA WORKS Fellowship opening with the Sun Country Section. “She got up in front of all the student-athletes and was well spoken, clearly accomplished on multiple levels and it just made all the sense in the world for her to at least know the PGA WORKS Fellowship was created for people like her.”

One thing led to another and Taylor made the move to New Mexico to assume the role as the Section’s first-ever PGA WORKS Fellow. Initially there was some hesitation for Taylor – she knew she wanted to be around the game, but in the moment, taking a Fellowship role felt like a step backwards. She’ll tell you the minute she started the role, all of those feelings of apprehension melted away – Taylor was exactly where she needed to be.

“I’m so happy that I’m here and decided to take this role,” says Taylor. “There is such an amazing support system. It’s been a blessing in disguise and it just goes to show that you never truly know what is on the other side of you taking that leap of faith. You just have to trust that there is a plan for you.”

In addition to her journey as a successful competitor in the game, Taylor understands on a remarkably intimate level her mission: to bring more minorities and kids to the game of golf. “It starts and ends with me,” states Taylor. “Knowing there is work to be done on this front, to bring as many people to the game as possible, so they can learn to love it too, has continued to light a fire under me.”

This past year, as Taylor transitioned to a full time role with the Sun Country PGA Section, she stepped up tenfold and established a women’s golf and networking series through the Sun Country Golf Foundation. “It’s just a great way for women to come as they are and be a part of a community, learn the game and maybe even be inspired to pursue a career themselves! I just realized how few women were involved in our Section – let alone had an opportunity to play this great game,” says Taylor. Derek was impressed with her ideas and passion for this series from the start and made it easy for him to step in with resources. “From staff to marketing material, food and beverage, you name it – she had thought through everything. It was really easy for us to say yes for our staff to help support her!”

Since that meetup at the 2024 PGA WORKS Collegiate Championship, Taylor and Derek have continued to steward their professional relationship – both on and off the golf course. The PGA WORKS Fellowship is more than a job as it creates an immersive experience for a young leader to experience a PGA Section’s operations. Derek and Taylor say one of the ongoing benefits of PGA WORKS is mentorship and networking opportunities. Derek, a past PGA of America Board Member who currently serves as co-chair for the national PGA WORKS Committee, has continued to be one of Taylor’s biggest cheerleaders. “It just reassures me that I’m exactly where I need to be,” says Taylor. “Derek has also been one of the biggest voices for me to pursue PGA of America Membership so I can hone my skills and be even more adept to the industry and lead with the greatest impact.”

“The golf industry continues to be so broad and expansive,” says Derek. “You can go in a million directions and that’s where I think a mentor can help you dial in what it is you actually want to do. It doesn’t matter what position you hold – there is always the need for a mentor because it helps you move forward in the direction you want to lead your career in. Even here at our facilities, my staff teaches me new things all the time – so mentorship goes both ways.”

This is why PGA WORKS is so important for golf. It’s allowing a space for new young leaders to grow into a career that is meaningful and impactful for themselves and the communities where they work. “It’s about making golf and other industries look more like the country that we live in,” says Derek. “All the programs and events that are now included under the PGA WORKS brand – from the Fellowships to the Scholarships and the PGA WORKS Collegiate Championship, and all the world-class sites that are wanting to host – there is a lasting impact here that will enable future generations to achieve their dreams and full potential.”

As the 180 student-athletes from across the country make their way to Kohler, Wisconsin for the 38th edition of the PGA WORKS Collegiate Championship, these themes continue to ring true just as they did for Taylor. She remains adamant about the impact of this championship, and the stepping stones it has provided for her career in golf. She hopes the student-athletes will take to heart all that is offered to them this week at Whistling Straits, and believes that this is their “right-place, right-time” moment.

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 →