There are 24 college students participating in the Pathways Internship at the 2024 U.S. Open.

The United States Golf Association (USGA) selected students from a different college or university to take part in the 10-day educational experience.

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Jessica McEachin, a Red Springs native and rising senior studying Information Systems and Supply Chain Management at the University of North Carolina Greensboro, is among the interns.

“It’s a great opportunity to have this experience here for sure,” McEachin said.

The USGA had more than 300 applicants for this year’s program.

McEachin said she’s learned this week how golf equipment is made.

“I just like seeing how one product gets to the next part, especially with the technology side,” McEachin said. “That’s a really big thing for me.”

McEachin said her study of concentration is cybersecurity.

“Just making sure how different things aren’t getting hacked because a lot of people paid big money for this event,” McEachin said. “So, it’s just like you have to make sure everything is precise [and] everything is on track.”

McEachin said she’s made connections too. It includes fellow students and executives of some of the sponsoring companies.

“I’m learning so much from the people beside me,” McEachin said.

The other 23 students joining McEachin this weekend include:

  • Patrick Barnes, Tennessee Technological University,2025, MBA, Business Intelligence and Analytics
    • Pilar Berchot, King University, 2024,  MBA
      • Esther Etherington, Franklin College, 2026, Elementary School Education
        • Kameron Burris Garofalo, Oxnard College, 2025, Business Administration
          • Mekhi Gibson, University of South Carolina, 2027, Sport and Entertainment Management
            • Taylor Harvey, Delaware State University, 2024, MA, Sports Administration
              • Emily Jones, University of Dayton, 2024, Early Childhood Education
                • Azola Martin, Morehouse College, 2025, Communication Studies/ Chinese Studies
                  • Evan McLurkin, University of California - Berkeley, 2024, Business Administration
                    • Henry Oelhafen, Vanderbilt University, 2026, Human Organizational Development
                      • Noble Parker, Southern Connecticut University, 2026 ,Computer Science
                        • Nikelle Pledger, Ohio State University, 2025, Strategic Communications
                          • Chandler Redfearn, North Carolina A&T, 2025, Kinesiology
                            • Maya Renteria, George Washington University, 2026, Finance
                              • Douglas Sherriffe, California State University - Northridge, 2025, Kinesiology
                                • Henry Stephens IV, Duke University, 2026, Pre-Law
                                  • Cameron Tarront-McKitt, Tennessee State University, 2026, Exercise Science
                                    • Cristian Tavarez, William Paterson University of New Jersey, 2024, Sport Management
                                      • Claudia Comas Torres Emerson College, 2024, MA, Sports Communication
                                        • Sandhya Vaikuntam, Quinnipiac University, 2025, Applied Business/Sports Studies
                                          • Savita Wilson Columbia University, 2024, MS, Sport Management
                                            • Avery Wright, Arizona State University, 2026, Sport Business and Marketing
                                              • Ashley Yen, Yale University, 2026, Data Science and Statistics

                                                “It’s important that we continue to open opportunities for everyone to work and play in golf,” USGA CEO Mike Whan wrote in a news release. “Relationships are built and fostered on-site at championships, and the framework we’ve created with the Pathways Internship allows students to get that same opportunity, which can help to jumpstart their careers.”

                                                The internship started in 2022.

                                                The USGA said 40% of past participants hold full-time positions in golf administration or golf-connected businesses.

                                                “My time as an intern at The Country Club confirmed that my passion for golf was not limited to the fairways or greens,” said Skylar Graham, 2022 program alumna and current associate with Excel Sports Management’s golf division, who will act as a peer leader. “The wonderful connections I made with leaders across various sectors in the golf industry opened my eyes to endless professional opportunities that I did not know existed.

                                                "The Pathways Internship empowered my vision for a career beyond the course and I am excited to help foster this experience for the new class of interns.”