One of golf’s most anticipated events, the Ryder Cup, found its home this year at Bethpage Black in Farmingdale, New York. With over 200,000 fans attending the week-long championship, three PGA WORKS Fellows found themselves at the center of the energy and excitement. The opportunity to work behind the scenes at an event of this scale was more than a chance to be part of history — it was a career-shaping experience made possible by PGA WORKS.
Kyra Cox, Zoe Rogers, and George Hill all work together at the Metropolitan PGA Section in Elmsford, New York. The team is composed of two former PGA WORKS Fellows and one current Fellow, each sharing the same enthusiasm as they prepared for the event. “The energy is absolutely electric. People only see this event for one week, but our team has been preparing for it for years. Seeing all that work come to fruition is incredibly rewarding and gives our staff something to celebrate,” says Kyra. George, the rookie of the team, shared, “It’s hard to put into words just how special the Ryder Cup felt. There are so many moving pieces behind the scenes, and every day I found myself discovering something new about the course and its surroundings.”
Of their various responsibilities during Ryder Cup week, each Fellow had the chance to be behind the ropes with some of golf’s biggest players — an opportunity many can only dream of.
“Watching them walk across the Player Bridge to warm up was surreal, and then being only five feet away from 24 of the best golfers in the world as they hit balls is something I’ll never forget,” says George.
Seeing players up close and personal was only one aspect of the tournament. Zoe and Kyra shared similar sentiments about the PGA Member-facing side of the event. They described how rewarding it was to work in the Member tent and interact with PGA of America Members from across the country.
One of the most exciting moments behind the ropes was seeing the sheer excitement of our PGA Members. We work so hard all season, and to watch them and our field staff experience the Ryder Cup with us on that stage was incredibly fulfilling — they were just as thrilled and happy to be there as we were.
With an event of this magnitude, preparation is key to making the experience memorable for both spectators and players. During their time as PGA WORKS Fellows, the three were able to apply the skills and lessons they had learned.
Zoe highlighted, “My time as a WORKS Fellow has taught me to be adaptable. Whether I was working with volunteers, members, or fans, I made use of both the administrative and hands-on experience I gained as a Fellow.” Adaptability, forward-thinking, and attention to detail were common traits shared by Kyra, Zoe, and George.
Kyra adds, “Equally important is having a positive attitude and enjoying the moment — not only does it help us as staff, but it also allows us to relay that energy to the players, fans, and everyone we’re supporting, making the entire experience more enjoyable for everyone involved.”
For Kyra, the Ryder Cup was especially meaningful since she grew up playing the game and practicing on the same course the 24 players competed on at Bethpage Black. Being involved in the event in a professional capacity, and also being in her backyard as a native New Yorker, added to her connection to the tournament.
“As a former junior golfer and now as a staff member at the Metropolitan PGA, I’ve been to Bethpage more times than I can count and have played the course just as many times. Seeing it completely transformed to host such a massive, world-class event is truly incredible. It makes me so proud to be from here and proud to see people from around the world come to appreciate this course and the community I call home,” says Kyra. “It feels like a full-circle moment. It’s truly an honor and something I don’t take for granted.”
For all three, the Ryder Cup was a milestone that reaffirmed their commitment to pursuing careers in golf and beyond. It was proof that access and opportunity can open doors to lasting careers in the sport. As Zoe reflected, “PGA WORKS is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. If you didn’t grow up around the game, it gives you a chance to learn, connect, and find your place in golf.” It’s that mission — creating pathways and shaping the next generation of leaders — that made their Ryder Cup experience not just memorable, but transformative.
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 →