Intern Spotlight Series: Jacob Picone

For a lifelong sports fan from Greenville, South Carolina, the P.J. Boatwright Internship has provided the perfect opportunity to combine a passion for competition with hands-on experience in golf administration for Jacob Picone.

A rising senior at the University of South Carolina majoring in sport and entertainment management, the intern credits the sports culture in his hometown — particularly the Clemson–South Carolina rivalry — for sparking his early interest in athletics. “I grew up a Gamecock, and that rivalry brought out my competitiveness and interest in sports at a young age,” he said.

Although his love for golf came later in life, Tiger Woods’ return to championship form five or six years ago solidified his interest in the game. “I really started to find interest in golf later than I wished I did,” he said. “Tiger Wood’s return to glory was what sparked that.”

While he never competed in golf, he spent years playing recreationally with friends and now enjoys learning the administrative side of the sport. He also credits his grandfather — a die-hard Braves and Panthers fan — for nurturing his early love of sports through countless hours watching games together.

The P.J. Boatwright Internship has allowed him to experience a different side of sports management. “It never truly feels like work when you’re out on the golf course managing a tournament,” he said. “I also wanted to see behind the scenes of golf tournaments and how they are directed.”

Prior to the internship, he gained experience working with the Greenville Triumph, a professional soccer team, assisting with gameday operations. Those fast-paced roles prepared him for the demands of coordinating golf events.

The transition to Texas wasn’t without its challenges. “As much as I was excited about moving to Houston, it was also partially scary to be 1,000 miles away from home,” he said. “I didn’t know what to expect when I first started, so I tried to ask questions whenever I was unsure about something.”

Still, the experience has been invaluable. “I like to believe that I am coachable and open-minded when it comes to learning about new things,” he said. “Being newer to golf, this has helped me pick things up faster and contribute to the team more.”

Looking ahead, he said his career path is still taking shape, but his time as a P.J. Boatwright Intern has been everything he hoped for. “This was a great opportunity to learn more about the golf industry and see if it is a career I’d like to pursue,” he said.