Lafayette, Louisiana – February 14, 2022
The Louisiana Golf Association (LGA) is pleased to announce the hiring of Jake Norris as its 2022 USGA P.J. Boatwright intern. Jake’s top priority will be the management of the Louisiana Junior Golf Tour (LJGT), and he will be involved in all aspects of golf administration, including championship operations, USGA Tournament Management, member services, and social media for the 2022 LJGT and LGA season.
Jake is a Louisiana native and originally from West Monroe, Louisiana. Jake attended Louisiana Tech University, where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in sports marketing in 2020. He chose to further his business education and obtained his master’s degree in business administration in 2021. Throughout his collegiate career, Jake played wide receiver for the Louisiana Tech football team. Following graduation, Jake began his professional career as an insurance agent with State Farm at Daren Moody’s Insurance Agency.
“I am ecstatic to be given this opportunity to work with the Louisiana Golf Association through the Boatwright program. I have a tremendous passion for the game of golf, and I am looking forward to creating relationships and learning more about the inner workings of tournaments, championships, and the game in general. Throughout my football career, I always found myself trying to find more time to go to the golf course and wishing I had started playing at a younger age. For many years, the LGA has done an excellent job with the growth of amateur golf, and more recently, the Louisiana Junior Golf Tour. I am excited to be in a position to help continue to grow the popularity of the game and enhance the competitive experience for amateurs and especially young golfers in Louisiana.”
Jakes’s internship begins February 14 and concludes on November 14. Jake, along with current LGA Boatwright intern Emily Gill, will virtually attend the Intern Summit at the USGA Headquarters in Liberty Corner, New Jersey in May.
In 1991, the USGA established the P.J. Boatwright Jr. Internship Program. This program is designed to give experience to individuals who are interested in pursuing a career in golf administration, while assisting Allied Golf Associations in the promotion of amateur golf, on a short-term, entry level basis. The Boatwright Internship Program is especially dear to the Louisiana Golf Association. All current LGA staff members are former Boatwright interns, and they know how valuable the program is to the betterment of the game.
“There is no question in my mind that the Boatwright internship program is the single most important program that the USGA has initiated in support of its Allied Golf Associations. We are especially thankful for the USGA’s funding for our organization and the positive impact it allows us to make in Louisiana. The Boatwright internship is a connective tissue between the USGA and its Allied Golf Associations, and it helps us improve services for all golfers at the local level. It also allows us to develop talent in golf administration which ultimately benefits the game. We are excited to welcome Jake to Louisiana and know he will benefit the LGA team this year,” said LGA Executive Director Logan Ray.
Each internship is different, since the needs vary from association to association. An intern may help conduct tournaments, junior golf programs, membership services, and other general activities that promote the best interests of golf. The common thread, which runs through the internship, is exposure to tournament preparations, tournament administration and post tournament business. The nature of tournament administration will test one’s patience, initiative and decision-making abilities, as well as one’s ability to endure long hours and hard work.
About the LJGT: The LJGT was established in 2019 by the Louisiana Golf Association and Gulf States Section PGA to promote junior golf in Louisiana. The mission of the LJGT is to create more playing opportunities for ALL junior golfers in Louisiana and to do so at an affordable rate. The LJGT provides a first-class experience and fosters the valued traditions of the game through character development, self-reliance, and sportsmanship. Louisiana Junior Golf Tour membership is open to juniors of all skill levels, ages 11-18. This LGA and GSPGA initiative will benefit the game of golf in Louisiana and we invite all junior golfers to compete and test their skills in a fun environment. The LJGT will help junior golfers build a foundation of skills and knowledge that they will be able to use throughout the rest of their lives. LJGT membership includes membership with the Louisiana Golf Association.