Masters work gives student real-world experience
By Ana Winters | Staff writer
Every spring, Augusta is in full stride with the Masters golf tournament.
For many people it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Behind the scenes of the prestigious course there are other opportunities for students, including internships, lasting connections or short-term positions at Augusta National Golf Club.
The Masters job expo on Wednesday, Sept. 9, in the JSAC Breezeway on the Summerville campus of Augusta University had many students come out and learn more about jobs and internships. These jobs are immersive, high-pressure experiences that combine customer service, networking and professional growth all at one of the most prestigious sporting events in the world.
There are many different opportunities from security to concessions to fine-dining hospitality. Augusta National offers many roles.
Joel Gil, who has spent time working in the security division at Augusta National, described the job as requiring a unique balance of warmth and attentiveness.
“Security is really about being observant,” Gil explained. “You’re greeting people, watching for anyone who might need medical assistance, or noticing if something feels out of the ordinary. You have to be a people person, but at the same time, you’re always keeping yourself on high alert.”
Security workers will serve as both the friendly faces welcoming the patrons while also keeping an eye on every person who is coming through the gates.
From a students perspective these positions would serve well for students considering careers in law enforcement and event management, this offers valuable training in real life crowd management.
For those who want to be close to the action, concessions are the way to go. According to Augusta National staff member Kim Byne, concessions jobs are special because they are “the only positions where you’ll actually be out on the course.”
“There are seven stations across the course,” Byne explained. “It’s a grab-and-go system, so you might be working as a cashier, greeter or beverage attendant.”
Byne added that nearly 100 people are hired in concessions each year, but that spots are quick to go.
“Some people return year after year, which limits openings for new applicants,” she said.
Will Hyche, who works in hospitality for the club, says that the works is intensive.
“All of the hospitality work at Augusta National is fine dining,” Hyche said. “You’ll be working about 80 hours that week, but they provide the uniforms, and the opportunities are incredible.”
Hospitality positions include being a host, greeter, server or bar back. Prior serving experience is often helpful, yet Hyche emphasized that it isn’t required.
“We hire based on personality and willingness to learn,” he said.
The interview process is straightforward. All applicants for hospitality complete a video interview. The questions will appear on the screen and then you record yourself.
“You get three tries,” Hyche said. “Once you’re happy with your recording, you submit it. It’s simple, but it gives them a sense of your personality.
While the excitement of working at Augusta National can be overwhelming, students should expect long hours and hard work. Hospitality staff often clocks in nearly 80 hours during Masters Week, while concessions and security teams face constant moving and interaction with crowds.
These jobs are not only about a paycheck, they are also about gaining real-world experience and learning many professional aspects. Augusta National’s positions prepare students for careers beyond that one week of golf.
Contact Ana Winters at anwinters@augusta.edu.
AU student KaLisa Lynch (R) learns about opportunities to work at Augusta National Golf Club during the 2026 Masters job expo. (photo by Lara Shayeb/the Bell Ringer)
