PGA WORKS - Attracting Diverse Talent To Ensure a Strong Future For The Golf Industry (034)

Twelve months ago Tajma Brown knew nothing about golf. Now she is poised to dedicate her professional career to the game she has quickly grown to love. Through PGA REACH - which is the charitable foundation of the PGA of America - The PGA WORKS Fellowship proactively recruits and hires recent college graduates from diverse backgrounds like Tajma for one year paid internships. Under the guidance of Program Specialist Rachel Mabee, the PGA WORKS mission is to establish a deep bench of diverse talent who are prepared to ascend to key employment industries in the game and business of golf. Starting with two Fellows in 2017, PGA WORKS looks to scale up in 2018 to place interns in at least eight of the 41 PGA Sections. Their goal is to eventually have PGA WORKS Fellowship programs in all 41 PGA Sections across the US, acting as a catalyst to start reshaping the $70 billion/year golf industry to look more like America does. Tajma shares her story as a sports business professional who currently works for the Middle Atlantic PGA of America as their inaugural PGA WORKS Fellow. As a Fellow, she works with the junior golf department coordinating tournaments, assists with communication efforts for the office, but most importantly she engages with the community to inspire and encourage young people from diverse backgrounds to consider golf as both a recreational pursuit and career option. As Rachel Mabee mentioned in this episode, if you are or know someone like Tajma who is a recent college graduate with a passion for sports, there is still time to apply for the 2018 PGA WORKS Fellow positions. Go to www.pgareach.org to apply now. Links to topics we discussed in this episode: The mission of PGA REACH is to positively impact the lives of youth, military, and diverse populations through the game of golf. PGA WORKS , including a wonderful video showcasing Tajma's journey. PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) is the flagship military program of PGA REACH. PGA HOPE introduces golf to Veterans with disabilities to enhance their physical, mental, social and emotional well-being. Special Guests: Rachel Melendez Mabee - PGA WORKS Program Specialist with The PGA of America and Tajma Brown - PGA WORKS Fellowship Intern.