UNL students intern at golf’s grand stage

31 Mar 2016    

Many golf enthusiasts would agree that the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia is the pinnacle of professional golf. The annual test of the world’s best golfers is the first of four golf “majors” and brings thousands of fans through the Augusta National gates each April. Hosting a worldwide event is a huge undertaking, and this year a dozen students from the Hospitality, Restaurant and Tourism Management (HRTM) program at UNL will be part of the team providing the event’s celebrated hospitality.

As interns, the HRTM students will be on the historic grounds during the tournament’s April 7-10 run. They left Lincoln April 1 and began their duties the same day.

“Augusta National is consistently listed as one of the top golf clubs in the United States,” said Shannon Rowen, director of academic programs and assistant professor of practice in the HRTM program. “We are thrilled to have the University of Nebraska represented at this $115 million dollar event. This is an exceptional learning and networking opportunity, and we look forward to contributing to the overall success of the event.”

Approximately 2,000 hospitality professionals are needed to provide exceptional service to participants, members and guests of Augusta National during Masters week. The twelve UNL students will be greeters, valets, servers, point of sale operators and supervisors.

“The Masters internship is going to enhance my resume and help me stand out to potential employers,” said Hannah Goodwater, a junior from Battle Creek, Nebraska.

Other students attending are Mandi Bonifas, of Roseland; Lauren Brudigan, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; Miles Brudigan, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; Taylor Carlberg, of Johnson Lake; Kayla Cody, of Beatrice; Hannah DeMaro, of Olathe, Kansas; Alyson Junge, of Norfolk; Katie Loof, of Lincoln; Maddy McClure, of Columbus; Natalie Pfeifer, of Grand Island; and Claire Phillips, of Hastings.

Hospitality, Restaurant and Tourism Management is one of the fastest growing majors at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Students have a leadership minor and can specialize in event management, lodging, human resources, food and beverage management, and/or tourism. The HRTM program resides jointly in the College of Education and Human Sciences and the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources.