The WNYPGA Section is pleased to announce the hiring of Clementina Rodriguez as the Sections’ Player Development Coordinator. In this new role she will serve Section PGA Members, Junior Members, and Foundation Beneficiaries. Her role will be to continue to advance the Section and Foundation growth of the game efforts and community outreach across the region. Her passion and vision related to getting both juniors and females more involved in the game of golf is inspiring.
Get to know Clementina better in this short Q & A below.
Q. What Previous Internships prepared you for this role?
A. I had the opportunity to work for 3 consecutive summers as a golf coach at the Jim McLean Golf Academy in Doral, Florida. My role was to teach students ages 4-18 the game, rules, sportsmanship and etiquette. I also interned in UNC- Chapel Hill athletic department specializing in event management; responsible for the implementation of varsity sporting events such as Baseball Regional/Super Regional, NCAA men and women’s round of 16, and women’s lacrosse NCAA National Championship.
Q. What connections to golf do you have/if any?
A. I have played golf since I was 6; participant of the University of Washington were we won NCAA Nationals my freshman year, then transferred to UNC-Chapel Hill to play golf my junior and senior year.
Q. What hobbies do you have outside of golf?
A. Hiking, taking my dog to the park, film photography.
Q. What direction or feelings would you like to share about your new position?
A. I am excited to be part of the Section’s new chapter with their new home site and additional growth of the game programs in the works for the section. I am honored to be part of such a prestigious company that has greatly impacted my career as a golfer and I cannot think of a better way to thank them than working for them.
Q. Share any thoughts which might be made public about what you wish to achieve for the PGA now that you’re in this position.
A. My intention for my new position is to create more awareness for the youth to become in love with the game of golf. As a kid, I wish I had a mentor who could teach me how great it is to be involved in the world of golf. Therefore, I am excited that with my experience as a golfer I can spread my experiences and the things I have learned along the way to kids who have an interest in playing golf. In addition, I hope to increase the participation of women in the WNYPGA.