OCEANSIDE, N.Y. (February 25, 2022) — This past summer, the MGA Foundation’s cornerstone program, GOLFWORKS, returned to Met Area clubs. In total, 147 GOLFWORKS interns worked at 39 clubs during the summer months, gaining valuable work, golf, and life experiences. In addition to the 147 interns participating in MGA programming, 18 former interns were hired directly by clubs, showcasing the relationships forged between intern and club during the GOLFWORKS program. With the season behind us and many interns back in school, we wanted to highlight some of the truly special individuals that make the program as good as it is. Today we get to know Matthew Friedman in this GOLFWORKS Q&A.
Related: GOLFWORKS | MGA Foundation
Q- Describe your duties. What does an average day at work look like?
A- I begin a typical day at work by driving the range picker to collect golf balls on the driving range. Once the cart’s baskets are full, I wash the balls by feeding them through a machine. The cleaned balls are then left in a bucket for the course pros to use or transferred to the ball machine so customers can use them. This process is repeated for most of my time at work. At the ends of my shift, I will help with cleaning golf carts and transporting golfers and their bags to and from the parking lot. Occasionally if there is anything else that needs to be completed before I leave I will chip in to help with that as well.
Q- What is the most interesting or surprising thing you learned?
A- I learned about how the Middle Bay golf course has changed over time and the history of the course itself. It’s a really cool place and was fun to learn about it.
Q- How did you find out about the GOLFWORKS program?
A- My school guidance counselor was the one who told me about the program.
Q- How often do you play golf? What other activities/sports are you involved with inside/outside of high school?
A- I play golf about once a week. During high school, I participated in Key Club, model UN, Science Olympiad, and varsity golf. I also played soccer for my town team, conducted cancer research in NYC, and volunteered at Northwell Health LIJ Valley Stream.
Q- What is your dream job? Why do you want to pursue that career?
A- I am looking to become a practicing physician, potentially specializing in cardiology or oncology. Science was always my favorite subject, and because of that I slowly fell in love with medicine over the course of high school and now it is one of my biggest passions, so I’m excited to pursue it.
Q- Have you made any friends/connections at work? How has your experience with co-workers been?
A- Yes, I have made numerous friends and connections at work because my experiences with coworkers have been excellent. I don’t have anything negative to say about people I’ve interacted with at work, which makes it so fun to go to the course every day.
Q- Is this your first job? How does it compare to past jobs you’ve had? (If you’ve had past jobs)
A- This position is my second job. I previously worked with young adults with special needs at local community center. The previous job had a more concrete schedule, but this job has much more time spent outdoors, which I really enjoy.
Q- Did you have any experience with golf before this?
A- Yes, I have played golf for the past three years.
Q- Overall, what is the most important thing that you have learned in your time as a GOLFWORKS intern?
A- I have learned how to interact with customers and make sure they receive quality service. Sometimes a little goes a long way and that is definitely the case with customer service positions.
Q- What are a few new skills you have learned since getting the internship?
A- I have developed my time management skills, along with communication skills and the ability to understand other perspectives. All three of those are great because while they apply to this job and golf, they can also be used for any other position I might have in the future.
Q- What is something you think your internship will help you get better at?
A- This internship will likely improve my ability to interact with customers, and this will translate into patient interactions as I study to become a physician.
Q- What is your favorite part about your job?
A- The golf resources made available to me. Being able to work on a course and work outside as well is a huge benefit. Especially when the weather is warm, there is something about being outside and going to work outside that puts you in a good mood.
Q- What would you say to your friends if they were interested in GOLFWORKS?
A- I would recommend that they apply to the program because it is an enjoyable experience that can grant you many connections. Even if you don’t have an interest in golf or experience with golf, if you are a hard worker and someone who is willing to learn this is a great job experience.
