Meet the 2016 CGA Interns

Nathaniel Easton, Ryan Bennett,
Eric Baumann, and McKenzie Talbert 

SOUTHERN PINES, N.C. (May 26, 2016) -- The Carolinas Golf Association (CGA) hired four interns to assist with the organization's day-to-day activities during the busy summer months. Thru mid-August they will be helping at many CGA tournaments and events, gaining golf administration experience.

Their internship experience involves exposure to many aspects of golf administration, such as: championships, qualifiers and one-day tournaments; handicap and course rating; communications and membership. The tournament administration aspect includes course marking, course set-up, starting times and pairings, starting, scoring, on-course officiating, pace of play, Rules of Golf, media relations and preliminary office preparation for CGA, TYGA and USGA qualifying events.

Here are the interns' backgrounds, in their own words. Be sure to say hello if you see them on their travels across the Carolinas.

 

Eric Baumann of Concord, N.C.

My name is Eric Baumann and I am from Concord, NC. In 2015, I received a Bachelor’s degree from Campbell University in Health and Physical Education and I am currently working towards my Master’s degree in Sport Leadership from Virginia Commonwealth University. I work as the program assistant for facility operations at VCU Recreational Sports and am looking to pursue a career in collegiate recreation.

Sports has always been a major part of my life from playing golf and basketball in high school to competing in club sports in college and now working with recreational sports at VCU. With golf being a key component of my life growing up, having the opportunity to work with the CGA is tremendous opportunity.

 

 

Nathaniel Easton of Laramie, Wyo.

I am Nathaniel Easton from Laramie, Wyoming. I received my Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Dickinson State University, which is in western North Dakota. While attending DSU, I played golf, managed the basketball team, worked for the athletic department as the student sports information director, and served as the Student Body President my final two years.

I want to assure you that even though I come from the two least populated states in the country I do enjoy human interaction! Last summer I was a communication intern for the American Junior Golf Association. It was a fantastic experience that helped me understand how to properly run premier golf tournaments, and I look forward to helping the CGA in any way that I can. I know a few of the local juniors from my time with the AJGA but I am excited to meet the rest of you. If you have any questions about myself, Wyoming, or North Dakota I will be waiting to answer them!

 

McKenzie Talbert of  Edgefield, S.C.

My name is McKenzie Talbert and I’m from Edgefield, SC. I am a senior at Clemson University pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Sports Communication. Upon graduating this December, I plan on pursuing a Master of Science degree in Athletic Leadership from Clemson University. Golf has been my life since I began playing competitively at the age of 7 and I’m hoping to find my niche in the golf industry as a professional.

Last summer I completed my first internship at Seabrook Island in Johns Island, South Carolina where I had an amazing experience working alongside four PGA professionals. In my free time I like to play golf, go shopping with my friends, and spend time with my family on the lake. The CGA is near and dear to my heart and it provided me with an incredible junior golf experience. I’m excited to give back to an association that has given so much to me!

 

 

Ryan Bennett of Sterling, MA

Hi! My name is Ryan Bennett and I am a recent graduate of Elon University. I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Sport & Event Management and a minor in Leadership Studies. I was also a four-year Leadership Fellow. In the summer of 2015, I joined the CGA as a USGA P.J. Boatwright, Jr. Intern and I am very excited about returning for a consecutive season this year.

I am an active member of NIRSA (National Intramural-Recreation Sports Association) where I am currently serving a 3-year term on their Leadership Commission as a representative for their professional and student development, education and research. While at Elon, I worked for the Graham Recreation and Parks Department as an Assistant Athletic Supervisor and helped with the organization and promotion of youth athletics and leagues. I previously interned with the New England Section of the PGA working in tournament administration with their junior program. I also assisted the USGA and the PGA in regional qualifiers for its Drive, Chip and Putt Championship concluding at Augusta National Golf Club.

I grew up in Massachusetts and sports have always been a passion of mine. While attending high school at Cushing Academy’12, I ran cross country, played ice hockey, lacrosse and golf. At Elon, I played Men’s Ice Hockey and served as a teaching assistant as well as their Program Assessment and Alumni Engagement Coordinator for their Life Entrepreneur Program. Over the years, I have devoted time to volunteer work where much has been centered on youth and athletics. In my free time I enjoy playing golf, exercising, watching ice hockey and spending time with my family and friends.

I feel fortunate to be interning with the CGA once again and having the opportunity to learn more about tournament administration and tournament operations. I am looking forward to traveling with the team throughout the Carolinas and meeting its members of the golfing community.
 

 

About the Carolinas Golf Association (CGA)

The CGA is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit educational organization that was founded in 1909 to promote and to protect the game of golf in the Carolinas by providing competitions, education, support and benefits to golf clubs and golfers. The CGA is the second largest golf association in the country with over 700 member clubs represented by nearly 150,000 individuals.

The CGA annually conducts 43 championships and five team match competitions for men, women, juniors, and seniors. It also runs over 140 One-Day (net and gross) events and qualifying for USGA national championships. The CGA serves golf in the Carolinas with numerous programs such as: the USGA Handicap System; tournament management software and support; course measuring and course/slope ratings; agronomy consultation; answers about the Rules of Golf, Rules of Amateur Status, and Handicapping; Carolinas Golf Magazine; Interclub series; Tarheel Youth Golf Association; Carolinas Golf Hall of Fame; expense assistance for USGA Junior and Girls' Junior qualifiers from the Carolinas; and the Carolinas Golf Foundation (CGF). The CGF has distributed more than $1,500,000 since 1977 to benefit Carolinas' golf initiatives including junior and women's programs.    

For more information about the CGA, visit our website.

 

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