Women Shaping the Future of Golf Course Management
Insights from the 2024 USWO & USO Volunteers
For the fourth year, women in the turfgrass industry, known as the Women in Turf (WIT) Team, have come together to volunteer at the US Women’s Open at Lancaster Country Club. This year, another milestone was reached as a group of women also volunteered at the 2024 US Men’s Open at Pinehurst.
Recognizing the financial burden of transportation costs for female volunteers who often need to travel long distances to participate, Rain Bird has provided financial support for 85 women in the last four years. This year, Rain Bird joined several industry partners—Syngenta, GCSAA, Pure Seed, Troon, Odeys, Spiio, and Pioneer Athletics—in providing housing for the 2024 US Open women volunteers.
While progress has been made in promoting gender diversity in golf course management, there is still work to be done. Encouraging more women to pursue careers in turfgrass management through mentorship, outreach, and educational opportunities will help strengthen the turfgrass community.
These events bring together a diverse group of women whose passion for turfgrass management is transforming the golf industry. Among them are Jill Seymour, Nancy Cienfuegos, Raquel Schwartz, and Christina Bender, each bringing a unique journey and inspiring perspective to their roles and experiences.
These remarkable women are not just maintaining golf courses; they are paving the way for a more inclusive and innovative future in turfgrass management. As they continue to excel and inspire, they remind us that by working together with perseverance and a love for what we do, we can “Break the Turf Grass Ceiling.”
We asked the women what makes volunteering with the WIT different than volunteering at other tournaments.
Cienfuegos: Nancy has volunteered at a couple of other tournaments, and this was her 2nd year volunteering with the Women in Turf team.
“I always look forward to volunteering with the Women in Turf Team; it makes the tournament much more special. We are all here to give it our all. Being able to volunteer with a group of women creates a supportive, exciting, fun environment where we all have each other’s backs.”
Schwartz: This was Raquel’s first time volunteering at the USWO, although she has volunteered at one other tournament, where she was the only female volunteer, the Curtis Cup at Merion Golf Course, in 2022. While she had an incredible time, it was very different from her experience at Lancaster this summer with a group of nine women.
“I felt a sense of connection and belonging in a way that was very new and comforting to me.”
Bender: This was Christina’s first volunteer experience. Evening shifts generally allow for conversation and connection while completing your evening task, walking the front or back nine. Christina met new friends and discovered the diverse opportunities within turfgrass management (superintendents, spray techs, sales reps, irrigation specialists, etc.).
“Bonding together over bunkers and divots was an ongoing highlight of the week.”
Seymour: This was Jill’s fourth time volunteering with the WIT group.
“I loved seeing the younger generation, particularly Andrea Salzman (Pinehurst No. 2 Assistant Superintendent). I watched her not only excel at running her crew but also work alongside them, and you could tell her guys respect her for that! Another highlight was visiting the new USGA building and getting a tour from our very own Brandi Merrick (Green Section Education Manager). We all got to see her shine in her element.”
We asked the women why they chose the golf industry and what keeps them here.
Seymour: Jill previously worked in Child Psychology (2.5 years) and realized she hated working indoors. She had the opportunity to work at a golf course one summer and instantly fell in love with working outdoors and using her hands. “I was hooked!!!” She has stayed in the industry because she is constantly being challenged daily…and even after 20 years, she still gets that feeling from the first time she worked on a golf course, being outside, doing setup in the peace and quiet, by herself.
“It’s my happy place!”
Cienfuegos: Nancy loves working outside and has been able to learn from her father and brother, who also works in the golf industry.
“Being outdoors and the support from mentors and family keeps me motivated to learn and grow.”
Bender: She loves the variety in the golf industry—every day presents new challenges and solutions.
“There are different things to focus on daily, different jobs to complete, and different problems to solve, which keeps me on my feet! Plus, the atmosphere of a golf course is unbeatable, even if I’m still learning the game myself!”
We asked the women how they would encourage other women to enter the golf industry.
“Society can sometimes direct us (women) towards certain industries; blue-collar work is typically never suggested. I’d encourage any women who enjoy being physically active outdoors to explore a career in turfgrass management. Being able to excel in an industry historically reserved for men is extremely rewarding.” – Raquel Schwartz
“Outreach is key. Show them how rewarding it is to work outdoors, shaping landscapes and challenging stereotypes. Share your passion and journey—it’s infectious!” – Jill Seymour