USGA Green Section Summer Internship Program

The USGA Green Section was established in 1920 to provide impartial and authoritative agronomic information to golf courses, and develop scientific information related to golf course turf. A major facet of the Green Section is its Turf Advisory Service (TAS). Eighteen experienced agronomists annually conduct more than 1,800 on-site visits to golf courses across the United States to take research results and practical information about construction and maintenance directly to subscribing clubs and courses.

Each year, the USGA Green Section provides the opportunity for fourteen to seventeen students to travel with members of the Green Section staff on TAS visits for one week between May and August. The goal is to provide students with a broader view of the golf course industry and help them learn about golf course maintenance through the perspective of the Green Section agronomists. Students receive a $250 stipend, and all transportation, hotel, and meal expenses are paid by the USGA.

The USGA regional director and agronomists interview candidates from among the universities in that region, and one or more students are selected to participate in the program. Each university may nominate only one student. The travel week date is flexible and is mutually agreed upon by the Green Section staff and the student. The student travels to the prearranged meeting site on Sunday and returns on Friday of the travel week.

As part of the internship, the student is required to submit a report that summarizes the week’s observations and experiences. The report is due three weeks following the conclusion of the travel.

Students must meet the following minimum criteria to apply for consideration:

• A sophomore, junior, or senior in a four-year baccalaureate program, or a graduate student, majoring in horticulture, agronomy, or a related field. The student must be returning to school the semester following the internship.
• An interest in golf and turfgrass management, and preferably some experience working on a golf course or playing the game.
• Good leadership potential.

Application packets must contain the following materials:

1. A cover letter from the student, explaining how they became interested in turf management and why they would like to participate in the internship program.
2. The student’s resume, including the projected graduation date.
3. A letter of recommendation from the student’s faculty advisor.

Submit the application to the director in the Green Section region where the student’s school is located. Applications are due by December 14, 2012. Selected candidates will be notified after March 1, 2013.

Direct questions to Kimberly Erusha, Ph.D., Managing Director, USGA Green Section, at 908-234-2300 or kerusha@usga.org.

USGA Green Section Regions