MGA Intern Gutmann Enjoys A Return Home
Courtesy of www.mgalinks.org
It's not often that Nate Gutmann is able to sleep in his own bed this summer. After all, the Adams native accepted a three-month long USGA P.J. Boatwright Jr. Internship with the MGA, which is based out of Norton and approximately 150 miles from his home.
"It was a great opportunity for me," said Gutmann, who will be graduating from the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) in December. "I have an apartment in Worcester for the summer, but it's always nice to have a chance to return home."
As part of the summer internship, Gutmann has worked with several different departments within the MGA. Earlier in the summer, he worked alongside Mark Gagne, the MGA's director of member services, to help manage and grow the MGA Members Now! program which allows golfers to connect with Member Clubs and obtain or renew a GHIN handicap index.
He has also traveled the state with the championship department to help manage qualifying and championship events. He was on site for three days at the Massachusetts Amateur Championship held at Taconic Golf Club in July and has spent the past three days assisting at Waubeeka Golf Links with the Massachusetts Amateur Public Links Championship.
"Working at the events and having that hands-on experience has been incredible," said Gutmann. "I love being involved and seeing how a tournament is run from behind the scenes. The days are long and the work required is a lot, but it's a very rewarding experience."
Interestingly, golf is a new sport for Gutmann who was a standout baseball player at McCann Technical High School. He also played baseball for the Trailblazers. He developed an interest and eventual love for golf only two and a half years ago.
"I was a little late to the sport, but it has become an important part of my life," said Gutmann. "This internship has allowed me to become more involved in golf while also helping me prepare for a future working in sports."
Another special part of the internship has been Gutmann's involvement with The First Tee of Massachusetts at its home course of MGA Links in Norton. Gutmann, who will compete for the MCLA golf team this fall, has been one of the instructors at the junior golf clinics held this summer.
The First Tee of Massachusetts aims to introducing children to the game of golf and its inherent values in an affordable and accessible manner.
"I would say that teaching junior golf has been one of the most rewarding experiences of the summer," said Gutmann. "Being able to work with young golfers and introduce them to a game that I love has been a highlight and something that I would love to continue even after this internship ends."
School may start again this fall, but Gutmann will be sure to keep close ties with his new friends in golf.
"I have met so many incredible people both at the MGA and at the courses where we have visited," said Gutmann. "My home is here in Adams, but I do feel like my golf network has now been expanded across the state."