BIG RAPIDS — Golf has been a large part of Tristin Elliot’s life as long as he can remember, and the Ferris State University student’s passion for the game landed him an internship at one of the most prestigious private country clubs in the world.
Currently pursuing his bachelor’s in PGA Golf Management at Ferris State, Elliot has been fortunate to apply his knowledge and skills in his opportunities at Baltusrol Country Club in Springfield, New Jersey.
Baltusrol has been home to 18 major championships and national events put on by the Professional Golfers’ Association Tour, including several U.S. Opens with the most recent being in 2016.
“I truly don’t know if I could be in a better spot for my goals and career development. Anything I want to learn about the elite golf operation Baltusrol offers, I am able to do,” Elliot said about his experience this summer.
The sophomore knew that having a chance to intern at such an elite country club required paving the way early on. Through the PGM Canvas resource, Elliot was able to navigate available internships across the globe and saw that the golf club of his dreams needed help this summer.
Through a swift interview process after his initial application, he received an offer letter just a week later and prepared to capitalize on the opportunity.
However, he knows the chance to even be interviewed would have been difficult without the help of his Ferris State support group.
“The entire PGM staff at Ferris State was incredibly supportive of helping me, including resume and interview preparation,” Elliot said. “Leveraging our alumni program also was very helpful, as I had several PGM alumni who supported me and assisted in giving me the confidence to apply to a club that is consistently held in the highest regard.”
Ferris State’s PGM program is the first of its kind to be sanctioned by the PGA. With a 100% job placement rate, it helps interested students turn their passion into a profession. The program is led by highly experienced faculty members dedicated to helping Bulldogs achieve their goals.
Elliot’s day-to-day experience as a Baltusrol intern has afforded him the chance to build on his leadership and communication skills, as he believes he is one step closer to becoming a professional golf instructor.
“(Baltusrol’s) membership is unbelievably supportive, and the golf staff is extremely willing to pour into me their knowledge so I can become a more seasoned golf professional. I can play golf and work on my game at their incredible facilities whenever I want,” Elliot said.
He noted that he’s been fortunate to provide excellent service to the members and guests he interacts with each day, while motivated to pay attention to the little details working by the philosophy of “if you do the little things the right way, the big things will follow’.”
Elliot plans to continue living and working by that mindset to achieve his career aspirations, as he hopes to be an exceptional golf instructor — and in turn a life coach — for those he serves.