The TGA Foundation is pleased to announce the return of the Bill Penn Internship Program (formerly known as TGA Works) after a temporary pause in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Established in 2016, the Bill Penn Internship Program gives high school students interested in pursuing a career in the golf industry the opportunity to work at a TGA Member Club in order to gain a greater understanding of the many different areas that encompass daily facility operations.
The program honors the legacy of William “Bill” Penn, who served as the Texas Golf Association’s first executive director from 1988-2000. Among Penn’s many and most enduring contributions to golf in Texas was being a positive influence to young golfers by instilling a strong code of honor and ethics.
“The TGA Foundation is delighted to be able to provide boys and girls who have a passion for the game with internship opportunities at some of the state’s most respected golf clubs and facilities,” said Kelly Kilgo, Managing Director of TGA Foundation and Outreach. “The Bill Penn Internship Program is a fantastic way for high school students to not only earn a paycheck, but also learn about the wide-array of job opportunities within the golf industry and the directions they take with their educational endeavors and career paths.”
The 10-week paid summer internships, which typically run from the first week of June to the first week of August, give motivated young people an opportunity to gain first-hand experience in the core departments of facility operations, including club, golf shop and turfgrass management. It’s not all work and no play, though. As part of the Member Club commitment, interns are provided with golf lessons and designated tee times so they can enjoy themselves out on the course.
By working closely with golf professionals, club managers and golf course superintendents, interns will learn the importance of teamwork, gain self-confidence and develop positive skill sets that will enable broader career options in the future.
“The Bill Penn Internship Program helps develop golf’s future leaders by encouraging young people to pursue a career that aligns with their love of the game,” Kilgo said. “The program plays a very important part of the TGA Foundation’s mission of ensuring that golf in Texas continues to grow and prosper.”
If there is a high school golfer at your club or course who loves the game, is personable and motivated, the TGA Foundation would like to encourage you to let them know about the internship opportunity and have them submit an application before the May 1 deadline.
To learn more about the Bill Penn Internship Program, click here. To learn more about the TGA Foundation, click here.
