This week in the AJGA Trailblazers Spotlight Series we are featuring Sam Joe, who currently serves as a Senior Manager with the Golf Division at Wasserman. Joe worked as an Operations Intern during the summer of 2017, returned as a Player Services Intern in 2018, and then landed a full-time role as Tournament Coordinator within the same year. Following her time with the AJGA, Joe stayed within the golf industry after a transition to Wasserman in 2021.
Joe’s journey into the golf industry was never a linear path. Golf played a large role in her family growing up, but Joe just played casually. After high school, Joe attended the University of Georgia majoring in Sports Management. In 2016, she got her first experience within the golf industry as a Marketing and Special Events Assistant with the Mitsubishi Electric Classic.
“I’ve always had an interest in golf, so it just seemed like a cool opportunity,” Joe said. “I just remember that the commute was around two hours round trip but that’s where I started to fall in love with the golf industry and wanted to work in sports.”
During her internship, her supervisors suggested that she apply for the AJGA’s internship program to continue with her sports industry path, particularly in golf. She applied, went through the hiring process, and was hired to work as an Operations Intern during the summer of 2017.
“I had sports internships before and never had the same experience as I did when working in golf,” Joe said. “I felt like these were my people and this is where I belonged. I loved how much responsibility you’re given as an intern, which is the best way to learn.”
After a summer as an operations intern, Joe spent time working out of the AJGA’s National Headquarters as a Player Services intern before accepting a role as a Tournament Coordinator. Most Tournament Coordinators start in January, so being hired in May had a bit of an added challenge. Joe credits her peers for allowing her to learn as she became comfortable in her new role.
“I think that the mentorship program was a big help at the start,” Joe said. "Tyler [Sumner] was my mentor and helped me every step of the way with my first event. The support system that the AJGA creates provides that ability to grow and succeed in your first year.”
Joe spent three years in the Operations department and during that time she was promoted to Tournament Manager and then Director. She credits her hard-working nature as well as being able to learn on her feet to succeed.
“Being a female in the sports industry as well as a minority, can put a bit of pressure on you to succeed,” Joe said. “You feel a bit late to the game, but I gained so much experience being adaptable and putting the extra time in. Being able to be flexible and learn as you go helped me to succeed at the AJGA and with the next part of my career.”
Some difficulties can come with working in an environment that has many interactions with stakeholders, but there are also rewards with that. While at an event, Joe ran into a contact from Wasserman, and the AJGA’s Chief Business Officer, Jason Etzen, was also there and helped her get in contact with the agency.
“Networking and communication are vital,” Joe said. “I met so many people within the industry and started to learn about different aspects of golf including the agency side. You start connecting dots and it led me to what I wanted to do with Wasserman.”
Joe always felt that the AJGA was a great place to discover what you wanted to do. Whether that be a lifelong career within the company or finding the next step. She credits her opportunity at Wasserman to the AJGA’s willingness and support.
“There’s nothing like the AJGA because everyone is there to help you grow and make those connections needed,” Joe said. “You make lifelong friends and it’s the perfect training ground for somebody out of college who wants to work in sports.”
Since working with Wasserman’s golf consulting division, Joe’s normal day consists of working with clients who are PGA TOUR or LPGA Tour title sponsors, sponsors of player groups, or single players. They help manage their sponsorship, assist with their marketing plans, execute onsite events, and manage their assets. Her goal with her role is to help bring the stakeholder vision to life.
“There are times that we’re working with clients, sponsors, or players and running golf outings, which ties back to my time at the AJGA,” Joe said. “I feel like I can run a golf outing with my eyes closed because there are many skills from the AJGA that transfer to my job.”
Joe was promoted to Senior Manager in 2023, which comes with the added responsibility of leading accounts. This includes some events that are on the PGA TOUR, which Joe is slated to oversee and coordinate. She continues to set goals for herself and wants to help others get started within the industry.
“I’ve loved my time at Wasserman, and I would love to stay here and continue to grow,” Joe said. “I’d love to be a mentor to others that start or are new to golf. I can’t picture myself being anywhere else but here.”
In Sam Joe's remarkable journey from AJGA intern to Senior Manager at Wasserman, her love and dedication for golf continues to shine. It stands as a testament to the AJGA's transformative impact on aspiring professionals in the world of golf.
