STUDENT EXPERIENCE
Internship at country club showed PGM student the resiliency of the industry
Christi Conroy
Junior, PGA Professional Golf Management option in Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management
Christi Conroy, a junior in the PGA Professional Golf Management option of the Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management major, was in limbo when the COVID-19 pandemic caused many industries to suspend operations. If recreational facilities didn’t reopen, the internship she had lined up was in jeopardy of being cancelled.
However, as people adjusted to the pandemic and came up with new and creative ways to enjoy recreational activities, golf courses reopened—and thrived. Conroy was able to keep her summer internship at the Ridgewood Country Club in New Jersey, and even extended the experience to the fall semester.
On her internship, Conroy teaches junior golfers, runs the club’s women’s tournaments, and helps with any other member needs. Conroy works with David Reasoner, the PGA Head Professional at Ridgewood Country Club and a 2001 graduate of Penn State’s PGA PGM program.
Participating in this internship during COVID-19 helped Conroy see the golf industry and the sport of golf itself differently.
“I learned that golf can be a getaway for many people, especially during these uncertain times, as an outdoor, no contact sport. Many people come golf to get out of the house and enjoy the fresh air,” she said. “I was able to interact with others in a safe way, maintaining social distancing guidelines, and in doing so allowed them to support their health and well-being.
“David Reasoner also provides a great internship to learn and grow, not only as a golf professional, but as a person,” she continued.
Conroy credits her Penn State PGA PGM advisors and instructors for preparing her for the internship and helping her take advantage of it, including Burch Wilkes, associate teaching professor and director; Brian Soule, assistant teaching professor and assistant director; Matt Bakowicz, instructor and lab manager of the Golf Teaching and Researcher Center (GTRC); Eric Handley, senior instructor and director of the GTRC; Darla Houseman, administrative assistant; and Dan Merrell, head of coaching and player development for the GTRC.
“In PGM, we learn all of the skills and tools to be successful on internship. We are reminded of who we represent, not only ourselves, but our advisors, Penn State, our alumni, our families, and PGM.”
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The student experience in 2020 was unique in the history of Penn State. Many traditional hallmarks of student life were altered by our inability to gather in large groups. However, our students have shown resilience, tenacity, and the ability to work together. WE ARE…
