WHISTLING STRAITS – On Monday, the PGA hosted a special event for Milwaukee students of color to experience one of the largest golf tournaments in the world while highlighting the importance of growing diversity in the game.
“I’m excited. It’s exciting to be here,” said Joe Fenteroy, junior at Marquette High School.
For the 16-year-old golf enthusiast Fenteroy, it’s an experience like no other. Along with dozens of MKE Fellows students, he got a behind-the-scenes look at Whistling Straits, home of the 43rd Ryder Cup.
“You inspire me to get out of here and be great. And hopefully I want to be on this stage in a few years,” said Fenteroy.
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The experience is part of the PGA’s Beyond the Green initiative, a program designed to provide high school and college students with an inside look at the golf industry.
“A lot of people don’t get a chance to see things like this and really understand what it’s like to rub with people and help them get what they want,” said Kyle Williams, a recent UWM graduate.
“They are all masters of their profession, and it just tells you how much work it takes to be great at something,” said Fenteroy.
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The event is held to introduce young minorities to business and career opportunities in golf. According to the PGA, as of 2019, only 20% of the workforce will be made up of black people.
“We need to grow continuously and reflect the demographics of our country,” said Rachel Mabee, program director, PGA Works.
MKE Fellows mentors add that opportunities like these are critical in giving children from underserved communities a chance for a better future.
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