Fairways and Friendships: Reflections on my Summer in Golf
Moving to a new city is always an adventure, but doing it for a new job in a new industry made it feel like a leap into the unknown. As someone who had never lived in Idaho before, I felt out of place at first—especially being surrounded by people who seemed to have grown up with both the area and the game of golf. Surrounded by people fluent in the language of golf, I found myself quietly being confused by terms and wondering if I’d ever catch up. I questioned whether I belonged in this environment and worried it would take the entire summer to feel comfortable.
At the start of my internship with the Idaho Golf Association, I couldn’t have told you the difference between a birdie and a bogey, let alone imagined myself helping to run a golf tournament. My hope was that the position would give me experience in media and event management, letting golf simply be the subject. But, over the course of twelve weeks, I not only learned the ins and outs of marketing and event coordination but also developed a genuine appreciation for the game and the people who play it.
From day one, I was surrounded by an incredible team of coworkers and fellow interns who quickly became friends. My supervisor, Shane, was an amazing mentor, teaching me more about event coverage in three months than I’ve learned in a year of classes. His guidance pushed me to take on new challenges, adapt quickly, and trust my own creative instincts.
My coworkers went out of their way to make me feel welcome, offering rides, sharing local tips, and taking me to dinners after long tournament days. Those evenings, filled with laughter and shared stories, became some of my favorite memories. We would debrief about the day’s events and joke about small mishaps. Little by little, those conversations helped me understand not just the mechanics of the game of golf, but the culture and tradition that make golf so special.
One of the most memorable parts of my internship was working the Men’s Amateur Championship in July at Jug Mountain Ranch. Leading up to the tournament, I dreaded the idea of long 15-hour days in the hot sun and little sleep. While the exhaustion was real, the experience was unforgettable. I captured content for the IGA’s media channels, followed every shot in an intense final group, and found myself invested in the outcomes as much as the players’ families and friends. The golf terminology I had once been confused by began to click, and I started to see the sport not just as a backdrop for my work, but as something meaningful and worth appreciating.
As my time with the IGA comes to an end, I feel a mix of sadness and gratitude. This internship gave me far more than I expected. It gave me professional skills I can take into my future career, an understanding of event operations, a new appreciation for golf, and friendships I know will last. It reminded me that stepping outside of my comfort zone, even into an industry I knew nothing about, can lead to growth, connection, and experiences I’ll carry with me for years to come.