Former Michigan State Academic All-American golfer Katie Sharp named PGA WORKS Fellow

EAST LANSING, Mich. — The Michigan PGA Section, in conjunction with PGA REACH, the 501(c)(3) charitable foundation of the PGA of America, has named former Michigan State University Academic All-American Golfer Katie Sharp, of Kendallville, Indiana, a PGA WORKS Fellow.

 

Sharp’s appointment makes her one of 11 individuals nationwide serving in a PGA WORKS Fellowship. Focused on engaging a diverse demographic of participants—with consideration to gender, age, race, national origin, sexual orientation, disability and Veteran status—the PGA WORKS Fellowship is designed to establish a strong bench of talent prepared to ascend into key employment positions within the business of golf. 

 

Working out of the Michigan PGA Section’s headquarters in East Lansing, Sharp’s primary responsibilities will be to help execute program elements that support the mission and purpose of the Michigan PGA Section’s foundation, including PGA HOPE and junior golf initiatives, such as PGA Jr. League and Drive, Chip & Putt.  

 

A 2018 graduate of Michigan State University, where she earned a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Media and Information Studies, Sharp was a member of the Spartans women’s golf team, earning four varsity letters and being named an Academic All-American four straight years. While at Michigan State, Sharp was named to the Dean’s Honor List for seven semesters, while participating in numerous volunteer and community outreach programs, and also serving on the University’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.  

 

“All career paths start with awareness and opportunity, and providing individuals from all backgrounds employment opportunities in the golf industry is a priority for PGA REACH,” said PGA REACH Senior Director Ryan Cannon. “PGA WORKS is an important initiative that supports the Inclusion pillar of PGA REACH, and we’re thrilled to create new possibilities through the PGA WORKS Fellowship to pursue the dream of a career in golf.” 

 

“Golf has been an instrumental part of my life for many years, not only as a player but in working with young golfers and helping to promote the game,” said Sharp. “Now I have an opportunity to work with the Michigan PGA and serve in the PGA WORKS Fellowship, which presents me with an incredible opportunity to start a career in golf. I am very excited for this new journey in my life.” 

 

The PGA WORKS Fellowship is a 12-month paid position funded by PGA REACH, which currently hosts Fellows in 11 PGA Sections: Carolinas, Connecticut, Gateway, Metropolitan, Michigan, Middle Atlantic, New Jersey, Northern Ohio, Southern Ohio, Western New York and South Florida. 

 

“We chose Katie because we believe she has a tremendous passion to work in the golf industry after this fellowship is completed,” said Chelsea Guoynes, Michigan PGA Section Player Development Coordinator and Foundation Activities Director. “Not only was Katie an exceptional-student athlete but she also worked with MSU’s summer kids camps and PGA Jr. League teams. She loves junior golf, and we see her as a great asset for our growth-of-the-game programs.”

 

For more information on PGA REACH, visit PGAREACH.org.