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Where Are They Now? Past Intern Spotlight: Matt Wiebelhaus
Swinging Into Success: Matt Wiebelhaus’s Journey from Intern to Hospitality Manager
Meet Matt Wiebelhaus, a former STPGA Tournament Operations intern whose experience with the Southern Texas PGA profoundly impacted his career. Matt’s journey through the internship not only shaped his path in the golf industry but also serves as a compelling example of how firsthand experience and meaningful connections can lead to long-term success.
For Matt, the STPGA internship was an excellent opportunity to broaden his skill set in the golf world. With prior experience in the industry, he was eager to take on new responsibilities and dive into various aspects of tournament operations. However, what excited him was the chance to travel—going from course to course, experiencing new places, and meeting a diverse array of people while doing what he loves in golf was an opportunity he could not resist.
As a Tournament Operations intern, Matt's role was anything but ordinary. He quickly became an essential part of organizing and executing STPGA competitions. His days often began before dawn, where he prepared tournament trailers, set up the golf course, selected hole locations, and introduced golfers at their starting tee. Each tournament presented new challenges, pushing Matt to think on his feet and adapt, skills that proved invaluable as he progressed in his career.
Initially coming from Michigan, Matt felt uncertain about how he would fit in, but he soon discovered the importance of building a support network. The genuine relationships he formed with his STPGA colleagues were essential, and even now, he knows he can reach out to them for advice or encouragement.
“The biggest lesson I learned while working with the STPGA is that no matter where you go, there will always be people ready to help,” reflects Matt. “The connections I made there will be around the rest of my career. Being at the STPGA made me realize the importance of maintaining relationships and continually making new connections because you never know who might play a significant role in your journey. All it takes is meeting the right person to help you take that next step.”
A standout feature of Matt's internship was the camaraderie he experienced among his fellow interns and the STPGA staff. They balanced hard work with fun, creating an atmosphere where professionalism thrived alongside enjoyment. This experience inspired Matt to foster a similar environment in his current role, believing that while work needs to be serious at times, maintaining a supportive and enjoyable atmosphere keeps everyone motivated and engaged.
Now, as Men’s Hospitality Manager at Western Golf & Country Club in Redford, Michigan, Matt sees how the internship shaped his leadership abilities. The experience instilled in him the importance of taking initiative, stepping up when needed, and making decisions with confidence—qualities that have been crucial to his career advancement. In his current role, he manages the Men’s Grill, oversees the Locker Room, and directs the junior golf program during the summer, utilizing the leadership and organizational skills he developed during his time with the STPGA.
“I learned to adapt, grow as a leader, and take initiative without being asked,” says Matt. “These skills have opened doors for me and led to multiple managerial roles within the golf industry.”
For those aspiring to join the STPGA team, Matt offers straightforward yet powerful advice: “Dive in completely.” He encourages interns to connect with as many people as possible, seize every opportunity, and go the extra mile. In the golf industry, hard work does not go unnoticed, and the effort you put in directly correlates with the rewards you receive.
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