The Louisiana Golf Association is pleased to announce the hiring of Heidi Hesse as its 2023 USGA P.J. Boatwright intern. Heidi will serve as the Communications and Operations intern, and her focus will be in developing the LGA brand, member relations, marketing, communication, and tournament operations. She will receive a well-rounded experience as she learns the many facets of golf administration.
Heidi is originally from Hyères in the South of France, and she is finishing her Master’s degree in International Sport Business. Throughout college, she studied in various countries including Spain, England, Germany, South Korea and France. She chose to finish her degree at Concordia University Chicago where she was a standout on the women’s tennis team, earning First Team All-Conference honors in 2022. Heidi is an avid sports enthusiast and has worked many sporting events during her studies. She has a myriad of experiences with sports companies including Noliju, All In Tennis Academy, and Intersport. She is grateful to broaden her experience and knowledge base by joining the Louisiana Golf Association as an intern in Communications/Operations.
“I am really thankful for the opportunity with the Louisiana Golf Association,” said Hesse. This internship will permit me to develop skills in sport business in the USA. I am delighted to be able to learn more about the golf world and contribute in its development as best as I can. I am looking forward to attending golf events because I love sports, the spirit of competition, and its positive environment. I love all kinds of sports, but I’m really excited to get to know golf better and participate to its expansion and promotion in Louisiana.”
“Heidi is the first international intern in our Boatwright program’s history and we are excited to welcome her to the LGA team,” said LGA Executive Director Logan Ray. “She brings a diverse and accomplished background, and we know she can help us elevate our services and be an asset for us this year as we advance golf in Louisiana. She has a tremendous passion for sports which will serve her well in this role.”
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.
Each internship is different, since the needs vary from association to association. An intern may help conduct championships, junior golf programs, membership services, and other general activities that promote the best interests of golf. Arrangements for multiple summer employment are possible as well. The nature of this internship will test one’s patience, initiative and decision-making abilities, as well as one’s ability to endure long hours and hard work. The LGA’s intern will be introduced to all facets of golf administration.
A prospective intern should demonstrate strong managerial potential and a sufficient interest in golf. Golf associations that participate in the Internship Program will provide an appropriate level of orientation and ongoing training and attention. Each intern becomes an employee of the golf association, which will have primary responsibility for recruitment, and sole responsibility for compensation, and supervision. Upon completion of the program, the USGA receives evaluations from both the association and the intern.
We wish Heidi all the best as she begins her internship on February 9th and are excited to see the contributions she will make to the Louisiana Golf Association throughout her time here. Heidi joins current Boatwright intern Maili Bartz on the LGA staff. They will soon be joined by Ryan Fulton in May as the third LGA intern this season. For more information on the USGA Boatwright Program visit P.J. Boatwright Internship Program (usga.org)