MY PGA JOURNEY
THE JOURNEY STARTS
The day after my last day of 8th grade, my grandpa took me to the golf course for the first time. We used my uncles set of clubs that my grandpa built for him in High School from a boxed set that cost $20. The clubs were heavy, WAYYY too long, and I had absolutely no clue what I was doing... but I got hooked.
From the nice man at the Pro Shop counter who sold us the bucket of balls, to the smell of the fresh cut grass... every inch of my first golf experience was PERFECT. I still didn't know the difference between a Par and a Bogey, but I knew that this game was for me.
My first job
The very next day, I had my grandpa drive me back to the golf course. I walked right in and asked the General Manager, "What do I have to do to get a job here for the summer?". And just like that, it all started.
I spent the next 4 months getting dropped off at the golf course in the morning, I would play 18 holes and then work the closing shift washing carts, cleaning the facilities, and most importantly meeting the amazing people who played there everyday.
I LOVED it. The game, the atmosphere, the people, it was "my place" as my mom would say. I never wanted to leave, and all I wanted to do was get better and hangout with the awesome people I had met at the course.
HIGH SCHOOL GOLF
Just a few months after picking up a club for the first time I took a leap of faith and tried out for the Fruita Monument High School golf team... after a rough round of tryouts I got the LAST spot on the team and never looked back!
4 Years, countless team wins, and 2 regionals appearances later and high school golf truly changed the trajectory of my life.
THE UCCS PGA GOLF MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
You can become a PGA of America in a few different ways, but the route I took was attending the UCCS PGA Golf Management Program. A 4 1/2 year program where you obtain your business degree and do all neccessary requirements needed to obtain PGA Membership.
This program was LIFECHANGING to say the least. After just 4 years of getting into golf, I was on track to become a PGA of America Golf Professional.
Throughout 4 years I completed all educational requirements for the PGA as well as passing my Player Ability Test (PAT). While meeting new people, developing relationships and connections, and getting real-world experience in the golf industry.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE PGA GOLF MANAGEMENT PROGRAM AND HOW TO BECOME A PGA PROFESSIONAL, CLICK HERE TO REACH OUT TO ME!
INTERNSHIPS
Not only do you complete all the necessary education requirements for the PGA, but every summer while in the PGA Golf Management Program students are required to go on PAID internships. Not only do these internships help you gain real-world experience in the industry that you are about to work in... but you also gain valuable connections and friendships necessary to long-term success in the industry.
I was blessed enough to intern at courses from the West Coast to the East Coast. Freshman year I interned at Valhalla Golf Club, in Louisville, Kentucky where I had my first real experience working at a golf course and developed amazing relationships with other professionals working at a Top 50 course in America.
Sophomore year I interned at The Club at Flying Horse where I gained valuable experience in Merchandising and running Tournaments.
Junior year I headed back to Kentucky and again interned at Valhalla Golf Club where I started to get more responsibilities and got an in-depth look at what it takes to run a high-end private golf facility.
Lastly, Senior year I interned at the City of Grand Junction Golf Courses (Tiara Rado GC, and Lincoln Park GC). Where I ran multiple junior golf tournaments, weekly leagues, gave lessons, and learned about what it truly takes to impact someone's life in a positive way by using the game of golf.
These internships are what make the PGA Golf Management Program so unique and it truly helps prepare you for a life-time of success in the golf industry
