The University of Alabama offers a multitude of experiential learning opportunities to its students that not only provide educational value but also once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
One such opportunity is a partnership between the College of Human Environmental Sciences and Augusta National Golf Club in which CHES students work during the Masters Tournament, professional golf’s premier event, in roles that include hospitality as servers and bartenders, merchandising, and operations.
Dr. Carla Blakey, assistant professor and undergraduate program coordinator for sport management, oversees the partnership that started three years ago when she and Dean Stuart Usdan contacted Augusta National’s human resources team.
“They were excited to work with the College of Human Environmental Sciences because of our unique disciplines that fit nicely with their tournament needs in sport management, hospitality management, and apparel and textiles,” said Blakey. “While there are students from all across the country who work the tournament, there are only a handful of colleges and universities with a formal partnership with Augusta National Golf Club.”
As part of the partnership, Augusta National staff visit campus to recruit students each fall, and the golf club covers the students’ cost of housing for the 10-day experience.
The partnership has blossomed over the past three years. Sixteen students were part of the first cohort that traveled to Augusta, with more than 80 taking part this year.
“Our students get to see the intentionality behind golf’s most storied event,” said Blakey. “They not only work the competition rounds of the tournament, but also the Augusta Women’s Amateur, practice rounds, Par 3 Contest, and many of the other traditional events supporting the tournament.
“They work 12-plus-hour days and are on their feet most of the time. The students will be the first to tell you that it is not for the faint of heart. But that is a small price to pay for what they gain from the experience.”
Blakey says one unique aspect of the experience is the digital break that is required due to Augusta National’s no cell phone policy.
“The students get to see people truly living in the moment,” said Blakey. “You are watching some of the world’s best golf, and you are actually watching it, not focused on documenting that you were there.
“It also extends to their own experience working the event. They get to know their peers from both UA and other universities, walk the course, and likely notice things they would miss if they were on their phones. It causes a little anxiety at first, naturally, but it is something many of them talk about when they return. For many, the digital break ends up being refreshing.”
Blakey believes the learning experience will benefit the students beyond learning the skills to work one of America’s great sports traditions.
“Whether they continue to work in their major disciplines or choose to transition to another career field, I am confident that being part of the Masters Tournament will pay dividends throughout their lives,” said Blakey. “And of course, getting to watch rounds of the world’s best golf during your breaks and load up on super cool merchandise is not bad either.”