PGA of America to Invest $2.5 Million to diversify the golf industry workforce through PGA REACH

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. – The PGA of America is making a landmark investment of $2.5 million over the next five years in PGA REACH to incubate and grow the PGA WORKS platform.

PGA WORKS is a strategic initiative designed to diversify the golf industry’s workforce. The platform began with the PGA WORKS Fellowship and has grown to also include scholarships, career exploration events and the PGA WORKS Collegiate Championship, which is being conducted at PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie, Florida, May 9-12. These key programs inspire and engage talent from diverse backgrounds to pursue employment positions across the golf industry.

“We recognize that in order to fulfill the PGA of America’s mission of serving our PGA Members and growing participation in the sport of golf, we must expand the dimensions of diversity represented in the industry’s workforce,” said PGA of America Chief People Officer Sandy Cross. “It is critical for people to see others from similar backgrounds and experiences working in the sport, if they’re going to consider the game as either a leisure activity or a career.”

Golf is an $84 billion industry, and PGA WORKS programming generates significant awareness of careers throughout the game, while helping to diversify the workforce so that it mirrors America.

Among the initiatives PGA WORKS will support are:

• PGA WORKS Collegiate Championship and PGA WORKS Career Expo: 1,000 student-athletes from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) and other minority-serving institutions will compete in the most culturally significant championship in collegiate golf, and explore career opportunities with the golf industry's leading employers. 
• PGA WORKS Golf Management University Program Scholarships: 85 individuals will earn scholarships to pursue a PGA Professional Golf Management Degree and their dream of becoming a PGA of America Member.
• PGA WORKS Beyond the Green: Hundreds of high school and college-age students will engage in career exploration events held onsite at major PGA of America Championships.
• PGA WORKS Fellowship: Dozens of post-graduates will experience year-long, entry-level employment opportunities in PGA Section Offices across America and garner first-hand experience in golf philanthropy, operations, and administration.

“This impressive commitment to expand the reach of PGA WORKS is designed to create opportunities for people from all backgrounds to work in the golf industry,” said PGA REACH Senior Director Ryan Cannon. “We’re proud to focus on growing inclusion throughout the workforce through PGA WORKS.”

Candidates interested in learning more or applying for the potential opportunities to participate in PGA WORKS programming should visit PGAREACH.org.