San Diego Golf Academy, a network of five golf schools with a long-standing reputation for quality golf education, knows the important role that internships play in the placement of their program graduates. As part of their educational program, SDGA offers internships that relate to golf careers: for example, internships with Troon Golf, the world leader in luxury golf resorts, are available to students at all SDGA locations.

But why do golf schools such as San Diego Golf Academy go out of their way to provide their students with the on-the-job training and experience they get from an internship? As Paul Zagnoni, President of SDGA, tells it, internships bridge the gap between an education and a livelihood.

“Participating in an internship is an important part of preparing for a golf career,” said Zagnoni. “Internships allow students to experience firsthand what golf jobs are like, as well as providing hands-on experience that will help students find golf jobs after graduation.”

Troon Golf's internships, which are available to 3rd and 4th semester students at all San Diego Golf Academy golf schools, will allow students to experience a variety of golf jobs. Although interns will be paid only minimum wage for 20 hours of work per week, the 12-week programs are worth much more than the income they generate: students will find out firsthand what a golf career will be like.

Internships also allow golf school students to learn about the employers in their field. An internship with Troon Golf, a company that prides itself on providing the best golfing experience that money can buy, allows students to see how a luxury golf resort operates – from its five-star service to its superior playing facilities and equipment. Regardless of whether the students pursue golf jobs in the same field after graduation, having interned with such a distinguished company will open many doors for them.

Many golf schools, such as San Diego Golf Academy, also provide students and graduates with an important resource to help them find golf jobs and internships: a guaranteed job placement service. GolFutures, SDGA's golf employment company, successfully places more than 85% of their graduates in golf jobs. In addition to providing golf internships for the students, many golf resorts and other employers – such as Troon Golf – list golf job openings with the school's placement office.

There are many factors that go into a successful golf career. Although education from a good golf school is important, it is actually job experience that opens doors in the field. For this reason, internships are an important part of the golf school experience, as they give students the opportunity to gain job experience prior to graduation.