Illinois PGA Event Operations Internship

The Organization: Founded in 1916, The Illinois Section of the PGA of America is a professional organization serving the men and women golf professionals in northern and central Illinois who are the recognized experts in growing, teaching and managing the game of golf. The Illinois PGA is responsible for the administration of competitive golf tournaments, educational opportunities, support programs and growth of the game initiatives. With over 800 members and associates, the Illinois PGA is the 17th largest of the 41 regional entities or “Sections” that comprise the PGA of America. 

Time Period 

• Mid-May, 2026 – Mid-August, 2026 

• Start and end dates are negotiable 

Description The Illinois PGA Event Operations Internship provides a comprehensive, hands-on learning experience in golf administration, tournament operations, and player services. Interns will work directly with Section staff in executing Illinois PGA and Junior Tour events, gaining practical experience in every aspect of tournament management. 

Duties & Responsibilities 

IPGA Tournament Program (70%) 

○ Assist tournament staff with all on-site operations, including course set-up, starting, scoring, pace-of-play monitoring, and awards presentations. 

○ Support full time staff in all tournament preparation, including, but not limited to, production of event pairings, rules sheets, scoreboards, scorecards, and course marking. 

○ Contribute to course marking and event logistics setup to ensure smooth competition flow. 

○ Track player statistics, assist with BlueGolf software administration, and support reporting and analytics needs. 

IPGA Foundation (30%) 

○ Assist with Illinois PGA Junior Tour, Drive, Chip & Putt, PGA Junior League. 

○ Support planning and on-site execution of local and sub-regional Drive, Chip & Putt competitions. 

○ Collaborate with staff and volunteers to enhance participant engagement and event quality.

Capstone Project – “Run Your Own Tournament” 

In addition to supporting day-to-day tournament operations, each intern will take the lead on a Capstone Project—the planning, promotion, and execution of a fully sanctioned Illinois PGA Junior Tour event and a Drive, Chip & Putt Sub-Regional Qualifier. This project provides interns with real-world experience in leadership, event management, communication, and decision-making within a professional golf association. 

● Lead the full planning and execution of one (1) Illinois PGA Junior Tour event and one (1) Drive, Chip & Putt Sub-Regional Qualifier by the end of the internship. 

● Oversee communication with the host facility, create event materials, manage event-day operations, and produce a post-event summary report. 

Additional Responsibilities 

● Participate and assist with general office duties as needed. 

● Provide operational support across departments including membership services, communications, and player development initiatives. 

○ Communications tasks could vary from on-site content creation, to in-office video and graphic editing. 

● Represent the Illinois PGA professionally at all times, maintaining the organization’s commitment to excellence in golf administration. 

Qualifications 

Required

○ Pursuing an undergraduate degree 

○ Experience in and a passion for golf and general knowledge of the game of golf. 

○ Strong interest in golf, sports management, event operations, or related field. 

○ High moral character, integrity, and a strong work ethic. 

○ Excellent communication, organization, and interpersonal skills. 

○ Ability to make decisions independently and problem-solve effectively. 

○ Prepared to work long hours on event days, including early mornings and occasional weekends. 

○ Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation. 

○ Capable of lifting up to 50 pounds and working outdoors in varying weather conditions. 

○ Ability to work with a broad spectrum of groups including host professionals, host superintendents, volunteers, amateur golfers, coaches, and sponsors. 

Preferred 

○ Proficiency in Google Suite; experience with BlueGolf software preferred. 

○ Experience with social media platforms and basic content creation. 

○ Current Sport Management Student or related field of study 

Compensation & Benefits 

● $2,400 monthly stipend. 

● Paid for travel expenses (meals, hotels) and mileage reimbursement while on-site. 

● Illinois PGA apparel provided. 

● Networking and mentorship opportunities with Illinois PGA professionals. 

● Valuable experience in tournament administration, leadership, and event management. Note: Housing is not provided. Travel throughout Illinois and the Chicago area is required.

APPLICATION REVIEW/TIMELINE 

Applications will be reviewed and top candidates will be asked to conduct a phone or video interview starting December 3rd. We hope to determine the successful candidates by the end of the year and will follow up with all applicants via e-mail as to their status. 

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Monday, December 1st, 2025 

All inquiries about this position should be sent to: 

Adam Gracik Director of Competitions agracik@pgahq.com 

Brandon Seymour Manager of Communications and Junior Tour bseymour@pgahq.com 

Cate O’Brien Manager of Membership and Events cobrien@pgahq.com