Where Are They Now? Past Intern Spotlight: Casey Lawrence
Breaking into Golf: How Casey Lawrence Turned an Internship into a Career
Casey Lawrence’s journey into the world of golf began unexpectedly. With no prior experience in the sport, Casey joined the Southern Texas PGA as a Tournament Operations Intern in the Spring of 2024.
Casey discovered the internship through a former coworker who had previously interned with the Section. At the time, he was looking for a challenge and had never considered a career in golf. “I had no background in golf, but I wanted something new. This internship seemed like the challenge I needed,” Sam Houston State University Graduate, Casey Lawrence recalls. That leap of faith opened doors to a career he had not anticipated.
His time at the STPGA proved pivotal, blending administrative and on-site operational experience that ignited his passion for the sport. “Before the internship, I only saw myself working in baseball or football,” Casey explains.
But after witnessing the behind-the-scenes work involved in running a golf tournament, he realized that golf was where he wanted to stay.
Today, Casey works as an Assistant Golf Professional at Black Hawk Country Club. In his role, he oversees member service and pro shop staff, ensuring members and guests enjoy top-tier experiences on the course. He also helps manage golf events, both for club members and outside groups, keeping his hands in the event operations he enjoyed so much during his internship.
One of the most valuable lessons Casey took from his time at the STPGA that he now implements in his current role was the importance of adaptability. “You need to be ready to change things up, whether it’s a rain delay or a frost delay,” he says. That skill has proven critical in his current role, where planning for the unexpected is part of the job.
Another key element of his internship was the connections he built. During his time at the STPGA, Casey had the opportunity to meet Head Golf Professionals, General Managers, and Tournament Directors from across the Section. These connections proved instrumental in helping him secure his current position at Black Hawk. “Nick Drew [Tournament Director at the STPGA] introduced me to Trent Peddy at Black Hawk, whom I met at the Mexico Open Qualifier we ran at the club back in February. That connection set up my interview,” he explains.
Casey also fondly remembers working on the STPGA’s Prestige Tour. The long days, road trips, and close-knit camaraderie among the staff left a lasting impact. “Seeing the passion of the young golfers we hosted and the memories I made with families every weekend were the highlight of my internship,” he says. The experience strengthened his commitment to golf and gave him a sense of purpose within the sport.
For current interns or those just starting their careers, Casey’s advice is simple: “Take it all in. Get involved in every aspect of the Section. You never know who you’ll meet or the skills you’ll discover. And most importantly, have fun!” He encourages interns to embrace the experience fully and not shy away from making lasting memories.
Looking back, Casey cherishes the memories made on the road, at team dinners, and during late-night hangouts with fellow interns. "There are too many fun memories to choose just one, but the time spent with the team made it the best internship experience I could’ve asked for."
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