The USGA Pathways Internship program provides a unique opportunity for students from underrepresented communities in the golf industry to explore various career pathways within the sport. Esther Etherington, a rising junior and member of the women’s golf team at Franklin College, was one of the 24 interns selected out of nearly 500 applicants to participate in this immersive 10-day experience. Despite facing health setbacks early in life, including being born prematurely and battling lung cancer as a child, Etherington has persevered and is now focused on giving back to organizations that helped her through her challenges.
Etherington is in the process of launching her own charity golf tournament called Esther’s One Eyed Open, which will benefit the First Tee – Indiana and Riley Hospital for Children. The tournament will involve participants wearing a patch over one eye while playing certain holes, with all proceeds going towards these organizations. While majoring in elementary education with a minor in nonprofit leadership, Etherington’s experience with the USGA Pathways program has opened her eyes to potential career opportunities in the golf industry beyond education, such as working in championships or player relations.
Kamille Ramos, the director of DEI, Culture, and Community at the USGA, has been instrumental in overseeing the Pathways program and helping interns like Etherington discover their potential in the golf industry. The program aims to introduce interns to the various career touchpoints available within golf, even for those who may not have prior experience or connections in the sport. Ramos emphasizes the importance of the connections made during the U.S. Open week, which have led to internships and full-time job opportunities for past participants, thereby contributing to the success of the program.
Etherington highlights the mentorship and leadership connections she gained through the Pathways program as the most impactful part of her experience. She mentions a breakfast meeting with USGA President Fred Perpall, where he shared inspiring words about the influence of one’s connections on their future. The program, initially launched as the Lee Elder Internship in 2022, has seen 40 percent of past participants secure full-time positions in golf administration or related businesses within just three years. Ramos believes that changing perceptions and opening doors for individuals interested in working in golf is a step towards creating a more inclusive and diverse industry.
As Etherington looks towards completing her undergraduate education and entering the workforce, she credits the USGA Pathways Internship for changing her life for the better and exposing her to a wide range of career options within the golf industry. With her passion for golf and giving back to the community, Etherington’s future holds exciting possibilities in both golf and life. The success stories of past Pathways interns like Etherington showcase the impact of programs that provide opportunities for underrepresented individuals to thrive in the golf industry, paving the way for a more diverse and inclusive future.
