The American Junior Golf Association welcomed 106 candidates to its national headquarters in Braselton, Georgia, for the 25th annual Intern Recruiting Weekend (IRW), held February 20 through 22, 2026. The milestone event provided a comprehensive introduction to the AJGA’s internship program, a proven pathway that has launched the careers of hundreds of young professionals across the sports industry.
The 2026 candidate class represented a wide range of backgrounds and experiences, bringing together students from 90 colleges and universities across 34 states. In addition to on-site evaluations, the AJGA conducted 37 virtual interviews with candidates who were unable to attend in person. Throughout the weekend, candidates participated in team challenges, breakout sessions, and hands-on demonstrations that highlighted the responsibilities of the Tournament Operations and Communications traveling internships.
Ultimately, 63 candidates will be hired as traveling summer interns who will support more than 130 AJGA tournaments nationwide, which represents nearly 88 percent of the season schedule.
Founded in 2001, IRW has become one of the organization’s most influential annual traditions. The weekend offers a hiring experience unlike any other in junior golf. The AJGA covers all travel, lodging, and meals for invited candidates, and final hiring decisions are made following the event.
“We created Intern Recruiting Weekend because our interns truly are the workforce of the AJGA. They are the first faces players, parents, and partners meet at our tournaments, and the quality of their work defines the experience we deliver. Investing heavily on the front end of hiring ensures we bring in the very best young professionals to represent our organization and uphold the standards we are known for."
This year marked a major milestone for the AJGA, commemorating twenty-five years of recruiting and developing the next generation of industry leaders. Over the past quarter-century, IRW has continued to evolve to meet the needs of each new intern class while staying true to its mission of providing meaningful, real‑world experience in tournament operations and media.
The 2026 program welcomed three accomplished AJGA alumni as guest speakers: Scott Geary, CEO and Executive Director of the Georgia PGA; Kristi Bradley, Director of Distribution at Marriott International; and Amanda Herrington, Senior Director of Golf Communications at the PGA TOUR. Each shared a clear path from AJGA intern to industry leader and offered insight into the experiences that shaped their careers. Their stories underscored the lasting influence of the AJGA internship and the wide range of opportunities it can lead to across golf and hospitality.
Candidates also heard from full-time staff who began their careers as AJGA interns, further reinforcing how the program continues to strengthen the organization’s internal pipeline.
“Intern Recruiting Weekend is one of the most rewarding parts of our year. Meeting candidates face‑to‑face and watching their enthusiasm grow throughout the weekend reminds us why this program is so impactful. Many of us began our careers the same way, so helping the next generation take that first step is incredibly meaningful."
The AJGA’s commitment to developing young professionals extends well beyond the IRW weekend. For decades, the organization has emphasized cultivating talent from the ground up, with 85 percent of full-time staff beginning their careers through an AJGA internship. Each spring and summer, the AJGA offers a variety of internship opportunities, including the Traveling Communications and Traveling Operations internships, as well as several in-house summer roles.
The internship has become a launching point for countless careers. Every new full-time hire at the AJGA comes from the internship program, and the majority of the organization’s officers are former interns. Program alumni now contribute to leading organizations across the sports industry, including the USGA, PGA TOUR, ANNIKA Foundation, Augusta National Golf Club, Intersport, Wasserman, and the LPGA.
With twenty-five years of IRW now complete, the AJGA remains committed to expanding opportunities for young professionals and continuing its legacy of leadership development. The backbone of the AJGA is its internship program. Success at the AJGA begins with the recruiting, hiring, and training of exceptional young men and women. Many consider the AJGA internship as the best in sports, as it requires a certain skill set, including a strong work ethic, a solid moral compass, high energy, a positive personality, and a willingness to serve.
Applications for the 2027 internship will open in August. Visit www.ajga.org/about/careers for more information.
