There are very few settings in sports more major than the PGA Championship. From the aura of the Wanamaker Trophy, to the host venue set up, the double-decker hospitality suites and, not to mention, the field of 156 of the best golfers. Arguably one of the most competitive in all of the game, the PGA Championship consistently hosts the top players in the world, and twenty of the best PGA of America Golf Professionals who have committed their careers to help others fall in love with the game.
A major set up for a major championship – and it just gets bigger every year.
This week at the 107th PGA Championship being contested at Quail Hollow Golf Club, the vibes are just that – major. It takes a lot to put on a championship of this caliber, and our PGA WORKS Fellows received an up-close and personal look at just a few elements that make the PGA Championship next-level. The PGA WORKS Fellowship creates an all-inclusive experience for young professionals who are ready to kickstart their career in the game of golf. The Fellowship provides a six- to twelve-month, paid immersion in a PGA Section’s operations designed to help foster development and a new skill set in all facets of the golf industry and beyond. It’s a chance to grow, learn and gain valuable experience in an expanding business.
Below are a few sights and sounds from our time with these future leaders as they explored the grounds of Quail Hollow ahead of the 107th PGA Championship.
Taking things in early at Quail Hollow — one step and one blade of grass at a time. The Fellows made their way to the grounds on a quiet, hazy and humid morning.
First stop, right off of the par-5 15th tee box, is the ESPN BET Mint Club VIP Lounge where fans on-site can place a $250+ deposit on the ESPN BET Sportsbook app and unlock exclusive access to the ESPN BET Mint Club VIP Lounge. PGA of America Senior Account Executive, Waseem Mansoor walked the Fellows through all the details of the activation and what fans can expect when they arrive at the lounge.
Next, the Fellows enjoyed a tour of the T-Mobile Club Magenta Lounge where T-Mobile Members receive exclusive access to Club Magenta, located at the 10th Green with top-notch views of all the action.
PGA of America Members are on the front lines of creating memories through the game of golf for thousands across the country every day. For each PGA Championship, the host PGA Section manages the PGA Member Club presented by Corebridge Financial. Here PGA of America Career Consultant Mike Mueller, PGA and the Carolinas PGA Section’s Assistant Tournament Director Brianna Newton talked to the group about different career opportunities within golf and what their career trajectories can look like after their Fellowship.
And you know we had to hit up the PGA Shops presented by Chase for that can’t-miss merch!
A major championship calls for major attention. The massive Media Center serves as a hub for all the things happening at Quail Hollow. Every putt, every interview, every moment is tracked right here so the rest of the world can get the most up-to-date information and scores from their favorite players. The Fellows got an up-close and personal look in to how the story of the PGA Championship comes to life across various platforms around the world.
Arguably one of the most critical pieces to a major championship are the volunteers who help serve in various roles throughout the week. At the PGA Championship this week, more than 3,000 volunteers will help bring the championship to life. PGA Championship Manager for Volunteer Operations, Jacob Wilson is on the front lines of making sure every volunteer has what they need to have a successful week, and talked with the Fellows about what it takes to create a seamless operation at one of golf’s biggest events.
Finally, the Fellows gained a deeper understanding on what goes on behind the curtain of broadcasting a major championship live around the world. Emily Chambers, Inclusion Event Lead at CBS Sports helped provide an in-depth look at how their team works together to create what audiences see at home during the PGA Championship.
PGA WORKS is on a mission to help engage and diversify the next generation of the golf industry’s leaders and beyond. Through Fellowships, Scholarships and the PGA WORKS Collegiate Championship, more and more individuals from underserved communities are accessing golf as a newfound career path. PGA WORKS is reimagining the narrative that golf is truly a game and an industry for all of us. Learn More →