The Connecticut State Golf Association is pleased to announce that Christopher Austin of Cheshire, Connecticut has been named Manager, Competitions Administration for the CSGA. His responsibilities will include assisting with the management of the CSGA One-Day Tournament Series sponsored by Chris Cote’s Golf Shop, providing valuable support at all CSGA major championships, contributing to website and media platforms, and various other duties within the organization.
Austin graduated from the University of Scranton in 2012 with a Bachelors of Science degree in Health Administration, and a minor in Business. As an undergraduate, he was employed at Delta Medix, a surgical center in Scranton. Upon graduating, he was employed at the Tradition Golf Club in Wallingford, where he was involved in the management of tournaments and outside events.
Most recently, Austin was the 2013 USGA P.J. Boatwright Intern for the CSGA, where he assisted in a wide range of CSGA operations over the course of the season. “After being an intern with the CSGA during the 2013 season, I was able to see the hard work that the staff puts into each and every tournament of the season, from One-Day Tournaments to the Connecticut Open, and the pride they take away from running these events,” said Austin. “I was able to develop some great relationships with players, committee members, and volunteers last year, and I am truly looking forward to being back out on the golf course for the 2014 tournament season.”
“We are really happy to add Chris to our staff,” said CSGA Executive Director, Mike Moraghan. “He is a team player, a bright and energetic guy who combines a great work ethic with genuine enthusiasm. Having Chris with us last year gave us the opportunity to thoroughly evaluate his capabilities and to provide him with an education and foundation essential in his new position as a full time member of the CSGA team. We expect this to be a smooth transition for him into a role in which he can excel.”
Austin is one of many P.J. Boatwright interns who have gone on to full-time positions at golf associations across the country. Named for the USGA’s former Executive Director of Rules and Competitions, the P.J. Boatwright internship is designed to provide individuals with valuable experience in golf administration, including such activities as course ratings, handicapping and tournament management. Austin joins Ryan Hoffman as the second staff member to have previously completed the P.J. Boatwright Internship. Hoffman was an intern for the CSGA in 2004, and is currently the Director of Operations for the association.
“Among the many things I learned during my internship was not to panic under pressure,” said Austin. “There are so many moving parts working together at each tournament, so its easy to panic if something doesn’t go as planned. I learned quickly that as long as you are organized and have thoroughly prepared for these instances, any problem can be solved.”
