New class of PGA WORKS fellows includes Coloradan

Colorado Springs’ Carter Esterle among new class of PGA WORKS fellows

By Jim Bebbington

The PGA of America REACH Foundation,  charitable foundation of the PGA of America, has announced 23 new members of the 2026-27 class for the PGA WORKS Fellowship.

The PGA WORKS Fellowship provides the opportunity for a paid immersion in a PGA of America Section’s Foundation operations. PGA Sections oversee the 41 regions of the PGA of America across the United States and help create a network of communication and community for PGA of America Golf Professionals and amateur golfers nationwide. The program began in 2017.

Among the new members is Carter Esterle of Colorado Springs, who attends John Carroll University in Ohio.

The PGA WORKS fellowship is an entry-level opportunity for individuals from all backgrounds to gain experience in the golf industry. The fellowship gives recent college and university graduates a first-hand look at everything a career in the $102 billion golf industry can provide.

The primary responsibilities of the 23 PGA WORKS fellows are to support and execute philanthropic initiatives for the charitable foundations of their respective PGA Sections. This includes assisting with marketing, communications and fundraising activities, as well as PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) programming for veterans and junior golf initiatives such as PGA Jr. League and Drive, Chip & Putt. Fellows also provide operations assistance for section tournaments and special events.

“The PGA WORKS Fellowship is the perfect opportunity to earn impactful, real-life experience working in the golf industry,” said PGA of America Acting President Nathan Charnes. “We are proud to welcome the 2026-27 class to their respective PGA Sections. Our PGA WORKS Fellows are the future leaders of the golf industry and their fellowship will equip them with the skills and attributes needed for a successful and fulfilling career.”

Since the inception of the PGA WORKS Fellowship, 82 percent of Fellows secure full-time employment upon completion of their Fellowship. Of that group, 83 percent of those jobs are within the golf industry. Fellows have gone on to work for Titleist, PGA Sections, the First Tee, the USGA, APGA and the PGA Tour, among other golf companies, sporting organizations and leading industries, while others have continued their education or taken their golf career a step further by attaining PGA of America Membership.

Colorado AvidGolfer Magazine is the state’s leading resource for golf and the lifestyle that surrounds it, publishing eight issues annually and proudly delivering daily content via coloradoavidgolfer.com.

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