From left – Max Nauman, Paige Hoffman, Charlie Gaer and Molly Baker.

New IGA interns ready for a summer of experience and fun  

Here at the new Golf House Iowa both Iowa Golf Association staff members and P.J. Boatwright interns are busy preparing for another busy schedule of tournaments. With the help of the P.J. Boatwright Interns the IGA is able to grow, improve, and excel each year. Each one of the IGA staff members know how vital these interns are to the success of the program because they were once P.J. Boatwright interns themselves. The IGA offers three internship positions: Communication and Marketing, Handicapping and Course Rating, and Championship Administration. In addition to the interns specific duties, these individuals will get first hand experience into the golf administration – such as day-to-day office duties, tournament prep, and a sense of responsibility.

Charlie Gaer, a Des Moines native is this year’s Communication and Marketing Intern. Charlie recently graduated from Central College with a degree in Communications and a minor in Business Management. He was also on Central’s Men’s Golf Team.

“Growing up in a family of golfers I have always loved the sport and wanted to pursue a career within the golf industry,” Gaer said. “I am excited to have the opportunity to learn and grow during my time at the IGA.”

Clint Brown, Director of Communication and Marketing commented he’s excited to get to work with Charlie this summer.

“I am looking forward to working with Charlie this summer,” Brown said. “We’ll be busy, but I want to make sure he has a great experience. I was an intern in his shoes once and it’s definitely an invaluable learning experience. Golf is still a game, but I know he’ll take a lot of pride in each task we give him.”

Max Nauman is from Peosta, and is this year’s Handicapping and Course Rating Intern. Max just finished up his junior year at Iowa State University, where he is majoring in Public Relations and minoring in Leadership Studies. Max played two years of golf at Hawkeye Community College before transferring to Iowa State University.

“Growing up my dad was the one who introduced me to the game of golf,” Nauman. “I have always loved competing against my others in my junior days and at the collegiate level. I am beyond excited for this opportunity with the IGA and am ready for the challenge ahead.” 

Nate McCoy, Director of Handicapping & Course Rating commented on having Max and the other interns a part of the IGA staff.

“I am really excited to work with Max and the other interns this season,” McCoy said. “I was an intern myself so I know what they are going through. I think Max will get a good dose of Course Rating, but will also get to experience a number of other things as well. As a staff we wear a lot of different hats, so having an extra hand is very helpful. I am looking forward to the summer season.”

Molly Baker, of Huntley, Illinois, joins the IGA staff this summer as the Championship Administration Intern. Molly just finished her junior year at Coe College, where she is majoring in Elementary Education and continues to play golf for Coe.

“I am wanting to pursue a career in the golf industry,” Baker said. “I am enthusiastic about the opportunities and connections I will have while interning for the Iowa Golf Association”. 

Karli Kerrigan, the Director of Competitions is excited to have Molly Interning at the IGA.

“I am looking forward to working with Molly and watching her grow in her golf administration career,” Kerrigan said. “She brings a lot of great experience to the IGA and I know she will be a great fit for us this summer.”

Paige Hoffman, of West Des Moines, returns to the IGA for her second year to continue working as the Golf House Intern. A well-known and talented golfer, Paige just finished up her junior year and collegiate golf career at Northwest Missouri State University. Paige is majoring in Data Science.

“I am excited to come back for my second year interning,” Hoffman said. “I am especially looking forward to working in the new Golf House Iowa and playing in the 100th Iowa Women’s Amateur.”

Katelynn Hogenson, Chief Operating Officer looks forward to having Paige return as an intern.

“We’re thrilled to have Paige back for another summer,” Hogenson said. “Her experience and enthusiasm are truly invaluable as she steps into a new internship role focusing on the use and development of Golf House Iowa. Not to mention, she aced the Rules of Golf exam, earning Expert Level certificate. We’re excited to have her skills showcased at our upcoming championships.”

Two Interns Participate in P.J. Boatwright Intern Summit

The P.J. Boatwright Intern Summit was held at the USGA campus in Liberty Corner, New Jersey, in May. A packed couple days was ahead for Molly and Max as the two of them would network, listen to informational skill presentations, and have fun competitions.

After arrival, Max and Molly had dinner with other Allied Golf Associations around the country and heard from a couple speakers before heading back to the hotel.

Throughout the next couple of days Max and Molly attended seminars such as championship administration, rules, handicapping and course ratings, and history regarding the USGA. Former P.J. Boatwright interns spoke to provide wisdom and insight into their current role within the USGA.

“It was an amazing experience to learn more about the USGA from a different perspective,” Nauman said. “I really enjoyed getting to meet other interns and staff. I will take the information I learned at the summit and apply it to interning with the IGA this summer.”

Molly said the experience was nothing short of amazing.

“It was great to learn about the USGA and what the organization does to further the game of golf. It will be exciting to what we learned play out in the field,” Baker said.

Max’s favorite part was connecting with the GHIN staff. 

“It was an enriching experience talking with staff from the USGA,” he said.

Molly’s highlights from the week included the overall experience at the USGA and all the food. 

“Stepping into the USGA was fascinating and all the food was delicious,” she said with a grin.