Meet the 2025 NYSGA Interns
JAMESVILLE, N.Y. -- Each season, the New York State Golf Association (NYSGA) welcomes seasonal interns as part of the United States Golf Association’s (USGA) P.J. Boatwright Jr Internship Program. The program was established in 1991 across all Allied Golf Associations in North America, and presently runs in all fifty states. The program is designed to provide entry-level experience to college students and recent graduates interested in pursuing a career in golf administration, while assisting golf associations in promoting amateur golf within their state or region.
Related: Past Interns / NYSGA Internships
The group of interns are exposed to tournament preparation and setup, event administration and management, developing many essential skills unique to golf administration. In addition, the NYSGA also hires a Communications Intern to help manage content creation and coverage of New York State’s amateur golf tournaments, championships and other special projects throughout the season.
Many former interns across the country and within the NYSGA’s ranks have moved into full-time positions and achieved success within golf and the world of sports and entertainment.
Take a few moments to “Get to Know” this year’s interns below:
---
Brady Byrdwell, USGA PJ Boatwright, Jr. Intern - Tournament Operations
Hometown: Cincinnati, OH
About: I am a recent graduate of the University of Kentucky, with a degree in Communications. I have previously worked for the Cincinnati Reds, along with On3 Sports as a sports writer. I look forward to gaining experience in the golf industry, along with working high level events as a part of the NYSGA family.
Hobbies: Golf, watching sports, trivia, listening to music and podcasts
Suprising fact(s): I collect baseball cards and sports memorabilia.
Best course you’ve played: Pinehurst No. 2
3 courses on your bucket list: Pebble Beach, Kiawah Island Resort: The Ocean Course, Oakmont Country Club
Favorite warm-up/practice song: Where the Wild Things Are by Luke Combs
Top post-round snack and/or drink: Chipotle
Most underrated movie or TV show: Parks and Recreation
---
Jimmy Hazen, USGA PJ Boatwright, Jr. Intern - Tournament Operations
Hometown: Crawfordville, FL
About: I am a senior at Florida State University pursuing a degree in Recreation & Tourism Management. I am passionate about golf and excited to learn more about tournament operation and how competitions are run at the state level.
Hobbies: Golf, hiking, traveling, professional sports
Surprising fact(s): I am a huge Florida fan despite going to Florida State.
Best course you’ve played: Banff Springs Golf Course Alberta, Canada
3 courses on your bucket list: Old Course, Tara Iti, Shinnecock Hills
Favorite warm-up/practice song: Crazy Train by Ozzy Osbourne
Top post-round snack and/or drink: Hot Dog
Most underrated movie or TV show: Curb Your Enthusiasm
---
Dan Kekis, USGA PJ Boatwright, Jr. Intern - Communications
Hometown: Voorheesville, NY
About: I graduated with an undergraduate degree from Siena College in 2024 and from Syracuse University with a Master’s degree in 2025. I have worked at multiple golf courses in the Albany area, including Schuyler Meadows, Wolferts Roost, and Colonie Golf & Country Club. My dream job is to work in sports, preferably in Boston.
Hobbies: A die hard hockey fan, plays hockey in free time, favorite team is the Toronto Maple Leafs
Surprising fact(s): I skated on the ice at Wrigley Field the night before the 2024 Winter Classic.
Best course you’ve played: Schuyler Meadows
3 courses on your bucket list: Pebble Beach, Sankaty Head GC, Shinnecock Hills GC
Favorite warm-up/practice song: BDE Bonus: Mac Miller
Top post-round snack and/or drink: Chipotle and Blue Gatorade
Most underrated movie or TV show: Cars 2
---
Luke Lynch, Competitions Fellow
Hometown: Garden City, NY
About: I am a 2024 graduate from the University of South Carolina with a degree in Hospitality Management, and a focus in Club Management. I have worked in the golf industry since high school, working on the grounds crew at a local private club in my hometown, then going on to work operations at the 2023 PGA Championship, and operations roles at the 2023 and 2024 Masters Tournaments. Here I found a deep passion for golf operations roles, leading me to an internship with the NYSGA in 2024, and eventually back again for my second year in 2025.
Hobbies: Watching and playing all sports, especially golf, watching movies and TV shows, and listening to all kinds of music
Surprising fact(s): I am a huge Rory McIlroy fan and was lucky enough to briefly meet him.
Best course you’ve played: Piping Rock Club and Bethpage Black Course
3 courses on your bucket list: Shinnecock Hills, Pebble Beach, and Royal County Down
Favorite warm-up/practice song: Spirit In the Sky by Norman Greenbaum
Top post-round snack and/or drink: Chipotle and Iced Tea
Most underrated movie or TV show: Surfs Up
---
Leah VandenBerg, NYSGA Marketing & Communications Intern
Hometown: Camillus, NY
About: I am a senior at Emory & Henry University in Virginia, where I am double majoring in Media & Communications and Sociology. I look forward to gaining marketing experience through the NYSGA by expanding my communication and networking skills.
Hobbies: Equestrian, traveling, running, and spending time with friends and family
Suprising fact(s): I am a nationally ranked equestrian who is currently a part of a 24 national champions team at Emory & Henry University.
Most underrated movie or TV show: Christmas Vacation
