Three P.J. Boatwright Interns begin summer at IGA, reflect on trip to USGA in New Jersey
From left – 2023 P.J. Boatwright Interns for the Iowa Golf Association Gavin Matthias, Derek Peng and Paige Hoffman.
The P.J. Boatwright internship has been an instrumental part of the Iowa Golf Association. All five staff members were once P.J. Boatwright interns, and interns are vital to the IGA’s services and championships. The IGA offers three internship positions: Marketing and Communication, Handicapping and Course Rating, and Championship Administration. In addition to their specific duties, interns gain experience in all aspects of golf administration, from answering the phone to starting pairings in tournaments.
Derek Peng is this year’s Marketing and Communication Intern. Studying Business at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Derek played golf and tennis at Ames High School. He’s an avid learner who enjoys photography and playing sports.
“I love golf, I love being creative, and I love being around people,” he explained, “At the IGA I can do what I love.”
Clint Brown, Director of Communications & Marketing at the IGA, commented he’s looking forward to the summer and working with the young Peng.
“I am excited to get started with the summer and hope to provide Derek with a well-rounded experience,” Brown said. “I was an intern with the IGA a long time ago (2003), so I know what it’s like to be in that situation. You want to learn but also put your skills to work. I look forward to not only mentoring Derek, but also learning from him on things he is great at. The key is having fun with the internship and I want Derek to look back on his experience favorably.”
Paige Hoffman, of West Des Moines, joins the team this summer as the Handicapping and Course Rating Intern. Well-known as a talented golfer, Paige plays collegiate golf at Northwest Missouri State University where she studies Data Science.
“I’m interested in pursuing a career in golf, and interning with the IGA is a first step in seeing what a career in golf may look like,” Paige said.
Nate McCoy, Director of Handicapping & Course Rating, is excited to have Paige on board.
“I’m looking forward to having another Course Rating partner and an extra hand to help with everything that we do day to day. On top of that, Paige is an extremely nice person and will be sure to brighten up our days.”
Our Championship Administration Intern, Gavin Matthias, recently graduated from the University of Iowa with a degree in Sport and Recreation Management. This is his third year as an intern with the IGA, and he wants to fulfill a stronger leadership position among the interns with his additional experience. He hopes to begin a career in golf administration and looks to make more professional connections through his final stint as an intern.
“I’m excited to see Gavin take on more of a leadership role in his last year as an intern and fine tune his skills before entering his job search as he looks for a full-time position,” Karli Kerrigan, the Director of Competitions, said regarding Matthias
Interns participate in PJB Intern Summit
The P.J. Boatwright Intern Summit returned to the USGA campus in Liberty Corner, New Jersey after a three-year hiatus due to COVID-19 earlier in May. A 6:00 a.m. flight delivered our interns bright and early to the great Garden State.
After dinner with over ninety interns from Allied Golf Associations around the country, Gavin and Derek hit the hotel gym for a quick lift, and then the interns’ first evening wrapped up with some cards.
The following morning, USGA CEO Mike Whan shared his wisdom and experience. Over the next two days, interns attended seminars on subjects such as GHIN, handicapping and course rating, championship administration, rules, the Green Section, player relations, a new national development initiative, and USGA history. Additionally, former P.J. Boatwright interns currently working with the USGA provided insight into careers in sports administration and business.
“It was cool learning the process of how rules are made and updated,” Gavin said, “I enjoyed seeing how the USGA works with the R&A along with representatives from all the other major golf bodies around the world.”
An etiquette lunch proved surprisingly amusing. Gavin demonstrated how to properly shake hands. Meanwhile, Derek and Paige dined beside Mike Whan, who was there for lunch and not the lesson.
Above all, interns had the opportunity to meet other interns. An evening at Topgolf, a friendly putting competition, and shared meals produced new connections every day.
“I enjoyed networking with other interns from around the country, especially finding a Midwestern community,” Paige recounted.
Gavin and Derek echoed her thoughts.
“Chatting with other interns, we learned of differences and similarities between our golf associations,” Derek said.
Gavin added that it was a unique opportunity to meet other interns, and much more enjoyable than the previous virtual summits.