As part of a partnership between the College of Human Environmental Sciences and Augusta National Golf Club, 61 UA students in varying programs in the department of human nutrition, hospitality and sport management gained valuable experiential learning experiences by working at the 2025 Masters Tournament.
Now in its second year, the program allows students to spend around 10 days in Augusta for the premier professional golf tournament in roles that include hospitality as servers and bartenders, merchandising, and operations at Augusta National.
Molly Hamburger, a sophomore from Memphis, Tennessee, majoring in sport management and marketing, has always been drawn to the sport industry and jumped at the opportunity.
“When the Masters group came to the University to talk about employment opportunities, I knew it would be such a cool and unique opportunity,” said Hamburger. “I was drawn to be part of ‘the tradition unlike any other’ and learn about hospitality, sales and patron service from the best of the best at Augusta National.”
Molly worked as a specialty sales attendant in the Signature Shop at Berckmans Place. She credits her coursework at UA for preparing her for the job.
“My general business classes definitely prepared me for this experience as they stress the importance of establishing your personal brand and communicating with others in a professional manner,” Hamburger said. “Some days we would talk to patrons for 12 hours and I believe that my GBA classes taught me how to maintain professionalism throughout. Working in retail sales, I was also able to leverage my operations management coursework, understanding the importance of inventory, replenishment, and supply and demand.”
Despite the long hours and hard work, Hamburger loved the experience of being part of one of the nation’s most celebrated sports events.
“Simply being at the Masters was an experience unlike anything else,” she said. “Being able to walk the grounds at Augusta National, take in the scenery of the course as well as the golfing experience was amazing.
“I also really enjoyed being able to talk and connect with so many people. You are not allowed to have phones at the Masters, so it really allowed everyone to build connections and learn so much about one another, which I absolutely loved.”
Hamburger recommends any student who is interested in the opportunity to apply because her experience at Augusta National not only provided professional lessons, but important life lessons as well.
“The Masters and Augusta National embody what an ideal patron experience entails. Every little detail is thought of and executed to perfection. I learned so much from this experience that I will be able to take with me as I finish my academics at the University and begin my career after graduation.”
Most of the UA students who worked at the Masters Tournament through the partnership were enrolled in the hospitality management and sport management programs. The sport management program prepares students for diverse careers across the sport industry, examining areas such as sport marketing, facility and venue management, and sport finance. Hospitality management students gain hands-on experience in hotel and lodging operations, event planning and food service, with opportunities to specialize in various industry concentrations.
Both programs emphasize real-world application through internships and experiential learning, such as the Masters Tournament, and positioning graduates for impactful careers.
Courtesy of The University of Alabama.
