Marcus Torres ’20 KPMG LPGA Women’s Championship Operations Assistant Intern – As I reflect upon the first few days of my summer internship with the PGA of America staff, I cannot help but give thanks to Wabash College and IU Health for this incredible opportunity. Interning for a prestigious company such as PGA of America has taught me a great deal thus far, about both myself and my future endeavors. As a PGA Operations Assistant, work varies daily. Currently, my team and I are preparing for the KPMG LPGA Women’s Golf Championship at the Olympia Fields Country Club in Olympia Fields, IL. That being said, work has ranged anywhere from inspecting shipments that have arrived to the country club compound, to taking inventory of golf carts that will be used for the tournament. This variation of work requires effective communication and organizational skills. Whether I am interacting with my team, vendors, or other personnel, effective communication is what allows for these interactions to flow both smoothly and successfully, and I have learned this first hand. Having not been the best communicator before coming to Illinois, this internship has pushed me to move further away from my comfort zone, allowing me to try new things, while becoming a better communicator.

Though I have learned a great deal in such little time, my fellow interns and team members are what have made this internship experience well worth it. Interestingly enough, each of the eight interns, including myself, reside in eight different states. Therefore, it has been enjoyable to understand the way these others live and communicate, but most importantly, it has been a pleasure meeting new people and making new friends. The individuals that I have had the pleasure of meeting have been awesome and supportive thus far. Moreover, I have had the opportunity to work with a more familiar face, my fraternity brother, Terrence Bradley. Being that Terrence and I have an understanding of each other and each other’s habits, it has made work flow smoothly, especially when teaming up to work. When arriving to an unfamiliar place, it helps to have a familiar face to guide you, and that is exactly what Terrence has done for me, provided a sense of guidance. Although my internship with the PGA of America staff has just begun, I am extremely excited for the hard work and dedication to come together. The next two weeks of my summer internship will consist mostly of tournament preparation. However, once the LPGA Championship begins, I will be taking on role which is geared towards the public relations side of the tournament. Once again, I want to thank Wabash and IU Health for this incredible opportunity. It would not have been possible without the love and support that this exceptional institution provides.