HPU Students Selected for Externship at PGA Masters Tournament

Fifty-five High Point University students are preparing for a unique experiential learning opportunity to work at one of golf’s ultimate externship experiences as they travel to Augusta, Georgia, for the Masters Tournament.

HIGH POINT, N.C., March 30, 2026 – Fifty-five High Point University students are preparing for a unique experiential learning opportunity to work at one of golf’s ultimate externship experiences as they travel to Augusta, Georgia, for the Masters Tournament.

Set for April 9-12, the Masters is the first of four major PGA tournaments. This is the fourth year that Augusta National Golf Club has invited HPU students to work various jobs during the tournament. Some students will arrive to Augusta National as early as Thursday, April 2, said Dr. Doug Hall, HPU’s vice president of career and professional development.

Tomiwa Bello, a senior finance major with a minor in French, is looking forward to his second time at the Masters selling men’s apparel for Peter Millar in the South Village Shop. He wants to better understand the operational systems from the manager’s viewpoint and plans to be more intentional with networking.

“This externship program is so important because it allows students the special opportunity to put into practice the many life skills that are taught at HPU,” said Bello, who is from Bowie, Maryland. “This ranges from networking and hospitality to learning about the heritage of the sport of golf and this tournament’s importance in history. This experience has already helped me in the workplace by allowing me to connect with different employees during my previous internship. I have also connected with people in random places by simply wearing some of the Masters’ merch, which has led to unexpected doors and career opportunities.”

This will be the fourth time working at the Masters for Carly Proctor, a senior finance major with minors in economics and sport management. This year, she will support two different events. During her first week in Augusta, she will be assisting the Augusta National Women’s Amateur as a player liaison at the hotel and golf courses, supporting hospitality with events and gifts, and coordinating logistics between locations and events. During the second week, she will work for a second year in guest relations at Magnolia Suite, one of Augusta National’s hospitality suites. She will assist patrons, provide them with information and ensure they have a memorable experience.

“Being selected for this externship is such a unique opportunity because it places HPU students in an environment where excellence is the expectation,” said Proctor, who is from Huntingtown, Maryland. “It’s especially meaningful because Augusta National Golf Club recruits from a very select group of universities, and even within HPU, it is a highly competitive and selective process to make it through interviews and ultimately receive an offer. This opportunity allows us to gain hands-on experience at one of the most prestigious sporting events in the world, working on teams with some of the top professionals and seeing what it truly takes to operate at that level. Students also meet countless successful individuals, from patrons to tournament staff, which serves as the ultimate networking environment and an opportunity to meet who could be your future best friends. It’s an experience that offers something valuable to every student, regardless of their career aspirations. Overall, it reflects the caliber of students that are at HPU, and it opens the doors to opportunities that are truly unmatched.”

Proctor hopes to continue developing her ability to operate effectively in high-pressure environments while maintaining professionalism and attention to detail. She wants to enhance her skills in taking initiative, problem-solving and communicating, especially in fast-paced situations where teamwork is essential.

“Most importantly, I want to further develop what it means to deliver unparalleled service, so anticipating needs, thinking proactively and consistently going above and beyond,” she said. “These qualities are what I aspire to embody in my professional life and what I hope to be recognized for through my professional endeavors. I think this experience will be incredibly valuable because it develops skills that extend far beyond the event itself.”

Jack Paris, a sophomore double majoring in finance and sport management, will be working in bag operations during The Masters. He will assist with storing bags that patrons have purchased until they return after enjoying their day at Augusta. Last year at the Masters, Paris worked as a sales floor usher, where he interacted with patrons, answered questions and directed them toward items they wanted.

“I think it’s important for students to participate in this externship because they are getting real-world experience in hospitality and operations at one of the world’s most prestigious sporting events,” said Paris, who is from Mint Hill, North Carolina. “Having Augusta National on their resumes will stand out and can be a conversation point during an interview as it has been for me. From this experience, I expect to learn how to deliver world-class hospitality and see the ins and outs of how the Masters operates to make the week so special for patrons.”

Paris expects this externship will help with his future career because he has already gained experience in a fast-paced, high-energy environment that’s demanding but rewarding at the same time. “When I start my career after college, I will be comfortable working in these settings, and I’ll bring the communication and organizational skills that I have learned at the Masters,” he said.