Get to Know the 2023 Interns
JAMESVILLE, N.Y. -- Each season, the New York State Golf Association (NYSGA) welcomes seasonal interns provided through the United States Golf Association’s (USGA) P.J. Boatwright Jr Internship Program.
This program was established in 1991 across all Allied Golf Associations in North America, and is designed to give experience to individuals who are interested in pursuing a career in golf administration, while assisting golf associations in the promotion of amateur golf on an entry level basis.
Learn More: Past Interns / NYSGA Internships
Interns are exposed to tournament preparation and setup, event administration and management, learning many essential skills unique to golf administration. Many former interns nationally and within the NYSGA’s ranks, have moved into full-time positions and success within the golf industry.
The NYSGA also hires a communications intern to help manage the content creation and coverage of New York State's amateur golf tournaments, championships and other special projects throughout the season.
Take a few moments to “Get to Know” this year’s interns below:
Chrissy Van Allen, USGA P.J. Boatwright, Jr. Intern - Tournament Administration
Hometown: Camillus, NY
About: I am entering my senior year at St. John Fisher University majoring in Sport Management with a minor in Communications. I play on the Varsity Women’s soccer team and continue to be involved in volunteer opportunities on campus. My prior work experience in the sport industry includes being the Special Events intern for the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum.
Internship Goals: My goal throughout the NYSGA Internship is to gain hands-on experience within the golf world and contribute positively to growing womens and girls participation in golf.
Career Goals: My career goal is to earn a full-time position in the sports industry in the events management field of professional sports.
Hobbies: Soccer, Golf, Travel
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Alex King, USGA P.J. Boatwright, Jr. Intern - Tournament Administration
Hometown: Skaneateles, New York
About: In May of 2023, I graduated from SUNY Cortland as a sport management major while working as an event manager for the athletic department. Prior to this internship I have worked for the USGA, at the 2022 U.S. Senior Open.
Internship goals: I look forward to making great connections in the sport world, also improving my knowledge around golf event operations.
Career goals: My career goal is to find the right fit for me within event operations in sport.
Hobbies: Golf, basketball, concerts, hanging out with friends
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Damian Rodriguez, USGA P.J. Boatwright Intern - Tournament Administration
Hometown: Amsterdam, New York
About: In May of 2023, I graduated from SUNY Cortland with a Bachelor’s degree in Sport Management at just 19-years old. I have a history in golf playing on the varsity golf team for my hometown school and also worked on the grounds crew at our home course Amsterdam Municipal for two seasons starting when I was 16-years old. This is my first year with the NYSGA and I am very excited to continue to work and learn about the golf industry.
Internship Goals: I hope to gain valuable experience in the golf industry that will hopefully help me continue on the pursuit of a career in golf.
Career Goals: My goal is to work in events in the golf industry.
Hobbies: Golf, Watching Sports (Football, Soccer, Baseball, Golf, and Basketball)
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Chris Buerle, Communications Intern - NYSGA
Hometown: New Providence, New Jersey
About: I am a rising senior at Syracuse University studying a major in Broadcast & Digital Journalism with a minor in Sport Management. I am part of the Men’s Club Golf Team at Syracuse University and will be the president this coming season. I have covered both sports and news in the Syracuse area.
Internship Goals: This summer, I hope to be able to gain more experience in the communications world and be close to the game of golf while I do so. I also look forward to covering amateur golf and bringing those stories to the audience.
Career Goals: Being able to cover sports, whether that be on or off camera.
Hobbies: Golf, Gaming, Basketball, Writing
