The PGA of America REACH Foundation — the charitable arm of the PGA of America — has introduced the 2025-26 class of PGA WORKS Fellows. Created in 2017, the PGA WORKS Fellowship offers recent college and university graduates a paid opportunity to gain hands-on experience within a PGA of America Section Foundation. The 41 PGA Sections across the country represent regional extensions of the Association, connecting PGA of America Golf Professionals and amateur golfers while fostering a strong sense of community and collaboration throughout the sport.

Recognized as one of golf’s leading entry-level pathways, the PGA WORKS Fellowship provides participants from a variety of backgrounds with practical exposure to the operations and career possibilities within the $102 billion golf industry.

Representing the Kentucky PGA Section, Maria Villamil joins the 2025-26 PGA WORKS Fellowship class with enthusiasm for growing the game and expanding access across the Commonwealth. A native of Bogotá, Colombia, and graduate of Lincoln University of Missouri, Maria brings a passion for inclusion, community engagement, and using golf as a tool for opportunity. Through her Fellowship, she will assist with PGA REACH Kentucky initiatives, including PGA HOPE, PGA Jr. League, and other outreach programs designed to make golf more accessible to youth, military personnel, and diverse populations. 

Maria expressed her gratitude and excitement for the opportunity, noting how deeply the Fellowship aligns with her goals and values. “What we, as PGA WORKS Fellows, get to do is incredibly unique, and I want to make the most of every moment,” she said. “This is an amazing team, and I am excited to keep learning and growing in it. I feel very fortunate to be part of a program that aligns with my passion for helping others, being of service, and promoting inclusion and access within the game of golf, all while striving to create a lasting positive impact.”

During the yearlong program, 23 Fellows will assist their respective PGA Sections in advancing charitable and community-based initiatives. Their roles include supporting marketing and communications, organizing fundraising efforts, and helping deliver cornerstone programs such as PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) for Veterans and junior golf initiatives like PGA Jr. League and Drive, Chip & Putt.

“We are thrilled to welcome our new class of PGA WORKS Fellows to their respective PGA Sections,” said PGA of America President and Master Professional Don Rea Jr., PGA, Owner/Operator of Augusta Ranch Golf Club in Arizona. “Our PGA WORKS Fellowship program isn’t just about opening doors—it’s about preparing the next generation of leaders and ensuring those doors lead to meaningful career paths and lasting connections.”

In alignment with PGA WORKS’ mission, Fellows receive ongoing career guidance through direct access to PGA of America Career Consultants and industry mentors. Since the program’s inception, 89 percent of participants have gone on to work within the golf industry, and 83 percent have secured full-time positions following their fellowship year.

Alumni of the program have joined organizations such as Titleist, The First Tee, the USGA, the APGA Tour, and the PGA Tour. Others have pursued further education or advanced within the Association by earning PGA of America Membership. Today, seven former Fellows are part of the team at the Home of the PGA of America in Frisco, Texas—among them PGA WORKS Leader Cameron Dinkins, Program Coordinator Iyannei Miranda, REACH Events Coordinator Caroline Riggs, Jr. League Grants Coordinator Tomie Anderson, Jr. League Specialist Dayvon Collins, Membership Representative Cameron Jones, and Education Faculty Rosa Jones, PGA.

For more information about the PGA of America REACH Foundation, visit PGAREACH.org.

About PGA WORKS

PGA WORKS is a strategic initiative designed to broaden the golf industry’s workforce and future leaders. Funded by the PGA of America REACH Foundation, the 501(c)(3) charitable foundation of the PGA of America, PGA WORKS leverages fellowships, scholarships, career exploration events, and the PGA WORKS Collegiate Championship to inspire and engage talent from all backgrounds to pursue key employment positions across the golf industry. For more information, visit PGAREACH.org/PGAWORKS, follow @PGAWORKS on X, formerly known as Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook. About PGA of America REACH Foundation The PGA of America REACH Foundation is the 501(c)(3) charitable foundation of the PGA of America. The mission of the Foundation is to positively impact the lives of youth, military, and diverse populations by enabling access to PGA of America Golf Professionals, PGA Sections, and the game of golf. For more information on the PGA of America REACH Foundation, visit PGAREACH.org, follow @PGAREACH on Instagram, X, formerly known as Twitter, and find us on Facebook.