Every person’s path to and through the AJGA is different, and Matt Emmi is another example of just that. As the son of a retired head golf professional, golf has always been a meaningful part of Emmi’s life. Following in his father’s footsteps, he knew he wanted to work in the game, but he also wanted to forge his own path in the golf industry.
After earning a finance degree from the University of Tampa, Emmi completed the AJGA Summer Traveling Internship in 2018. He returned as a Tournament Assistant in 2019 before beginning his full-time career at the AJGA as a Tournament Director in 2020. However, his passion for the business side of golf never wavered.
“I knew I wanted to get to the relationship side of the business and oversee tournament business and sponsor relations, though I was initially a tournament director.”
With that goal in mind, Emmi earned an opportunity in the Tournament Business Affairs Department as Regional Manager in the Southeast in April 2022. He then later became the Regional Director of Florida in October 2023.
As a Regional Director, Emmi experienced many impactful moments for both the region and the AJGA as a whole. He worked alongside notable tournament hosts, including Nelly Korda, Ben An, K.J. Choi and Adam Scott. He also oversaw premier AJGA events such as the Team TaylorMade Invitational and The Junior PLAYERS Championship.
“The most meaningful event was helping build The Nelly Invitational from the ground up in 2024 and bringing on Chevron in 2025 … all the great things we are doing with travel stipends, charity contributions and the exemption into The Chevron Championship is awesome.”
After six years with the AJGA, Emmi recently accepted a position with the PGA TOUR as Manager, Tournament Business & Sponsor Relations. In this role, he will work on the Korn Ferry Tour, overseeing multiple events and managing the relationship between the PGA TOUR and Korn Ferry Tour events. With excitement and optimism for his new position, he credits his experience with the AJGA for preparing him for this next step.
“The AJGA trusted me with overseeing a region at such a young age, and I had the freedom to make many high-level decisions and run the Florida region. This helped me build my relationship management skills and create meaningful relationships while gaining experience on high-level sponsor activation projects.”
Emmi’s passion and commitment to the AJGA and the game of golf led him to this opportunity. His story is one of many the AJGA can share as part of its proud staff alumni network, including 80 other former AJGA staff members who have gone on to the PGA TOUR.
“Don’t be afraid to take chances and step out of your comfort zone. I took a chance moving away from family in Florida to Georgia to work for the AJGA, and that move helped me develop as a professional and gave me the skills to be offered an amazing role with the PGA TOUR.”
If interested, 2027 AJGA internship applications will open Aug. 17, 2026. Follow along with AJGA Careers .
