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A move to North Carolina for family reasons prompted P.J. Boatwright intern David Driscoll to pivot from a career in television rights management to golf.
“It might seem odd for a 36-year-old to consider an internship, but I knew many serving in various roles in golf had started as Boatwrights at state and regional golf associations,” said Driscoll. “I had long thought it would be interesting and exciting to work for the USGA. And being aware of its growing footprint in the Sandhills area, I realized that if there were ever a time in my life to pursue a career in golf, this was it. Naturally, the first organization I considered to try to obtain some golf working experience was the Carolinas Golf Association.”
As a full survey program, the internship provided Driscoll with vocational outlets for his various passions in golf, while earning him hands-on experience in different facets of the industry.
“While primarily working in tournament operations and course setup, I’ve also been able to master the Rules of Golf and serve as an on-course Rules official at CGA championships and USGA qualifiers,” he said. “There have also been great opportunities to learn from course superintendents about maintenance, agronomy and more sustainable irrigation practices, as well as to assist staff with Course Rating™, handicapping and media assignments.
“I’ve certainly gained appreciation for how much Allied Golf Associations have to manage behind the scenes throughout the year. Beyond navigating long hours and travel, huge undertakings from staff are necessary to secure courses for competitions, provide membership handicapping support, train and support volunteers, and increase youth access to golf.
“Boatwright internships are invaluable opportunities to gain extensive exposure — to help discover where one’s interests and skills might be best applied for a career serving as a steward for the game of golf.”
More than 125 “Boatwrights” are hired annually and exposed to all aspects of golf administration, from conducting competitions and junior golf programs to supporting membership initiatives. The impact is multiplied by its more than 3,000 alumni, many of whom occupy leadership positions in golf and beyond. By any measure, the internship is the most significant of its kind in the golf industry.
The program honors the contributions of P.J. Boatwright Jr., the USGA’s third executive director, who played a pivotal role in the development of both the USGA and golf in the United States. An accomplished amateur player and one of the game’s foremost Rules experts, he served as executive director of the Carolinas Golf Association for five years before joining the USGA in 1959. He served the association until his death in 1991, leaving a legacy of sportsmanship and service.