Over 100 students across New York state attend career exploration day at the 2023 PGA Championship. Participants learned about the golf industry’s various career opportunities, and recruiters hoped to not only provide an inside look at the industry, but the various roles that play a part in the championship.

With over 2 million jobs in the $90 billion golf industry, the opportunities seem endless.

“It's a really unique time in the golf industry because there's a lot of job openings,” PGA recruiter Chris Kulinski said. “We need people just like the hospitality industry does. We need people to start working in golf.”

As the current workforce hits closer towards retirement, recruiters are getting an early start, introducing work opportunities in the golf industry to students.

“PGA professionals are aging out,” Kulinski said. “So there's a lot of opportunity for individuals to get into the business as if it's a green grass job as if it's working as an engineer. If it's kind of you name it, you can probably do it in the industry. A lot of people don't realize that you don't have to be a golfer to work in golf, which is kind of neat.”

Hoping his own passion and drive that inspired him to work as a recruiter influences others.

“It was actually my dad who inspired me to do what I do,” Kulinski said. “He read a newspaper article to me. And I think this is important because if he didn't read that newspaper article to me 20 years ago, I wouldn't be doing what I'm doing today.”

Inspiring students like Kulinski’s very own 11-year-old daughter.

“It's a really nice sport,” participant Lyla Kulinkski said. “And my dad plays and likes it in the industry. So I kind of just came into it with my dad.”

Over 100 participants got an inside look at the 2023 PGA Championship grounds, networking with key leaders involved in tournament operations, media, technology and merchandise.

“We're going to one hole on the course and then we're going around the facility and talking to all the professionals and people that work here and what they do,” Lyla said. “Seeing how they put everything together is just beautiful.”

 Organizers anticipating the PGA career exploration day will not only find a potential profession for these aspiring golf professionals but their passion in the industry as well.

“I love seeing kids smile and that light bulb go off, right,” Kulinksiki said. “You'll hear conversations around here today where somebody says, holy cow, I want to do that. I want to do that when I get older. So I think it’s really great to create awareness of the opportunities.”