Hello! My name is Kristie Langford and I am the 2017 Boatwright Intern for the MSGA. I am from a small town called Port Hope in Ontario, Canada, and moved to Maryland for my undergraduate and graduate education five years ago. I attended the University of Maryland, Baltimore County for my undergrad with a degree in Biology and a minor in Psychology. At UMBC I was also on the NCAA Division I Swim Team, where I was captain both my Junior and Senior years during which we also won consecutive conference championships. Swimming was my main focus through most of high school and college but now that I have closed that chapter I have been focusing more on my golf game! I currently am finishing my Masters in Sport Management from Mount St. Mary’s University, and I am also one of the assistant swim coaches for the school’s swim team. I have two brothers, one older and one younger, and three nieces and one nephew. Both of my brothers and my parents play golf as well as various other sports. We are very much a golfing family and center our vacations around the game.

How did you hear about the internship with the MSGA?

My master’s program requires internship credits so I actually received an email from my program director with information regarding this internship and felt it was something I would be very interested in so I read more about it on the website and applied!

Why were you interested in an internship with the MSGA?

My family has always been, to put it lightly, obsessed with golf, and being that I was always stuck in the pool I never got to fully enjoy it like they did. So now that I have the opportunity to get to know the game more, I have really fallen in love with it and wanted to learn as much as possible. My career goal is also to work in sports administration, either with the NCAA or other sports associations, so I felt this internship would be a great first step to gaining some hands-on experience.

What is your favorite golf course in the area?

I haven’t actually had the opportunity to play many courses in the area yet, given that I grew up in Canada, but I am excited to start adding more of them to my list! I recently played some courses in the Pinehurst area with my family and have to say they are at the top of my all-time list.

When did you start playing golf? Who got you into the game?

I learned how to golf at around age 14 but didn’t really start playing until last year. My parents were the first ones to get me into the game, mainly my dad, and he’s been a great coach. Lately, my brother, Will, has been the biggest influence on my golf game as he is very good and competed in Canada and also played college golf at Berry College for a year.

What do you like to do when you’re not working?

I love to hike mountains. At least once a year my mom and I do a mountain trek either in New Hampshire in the White Mountains or in Lake Placid, NY. I also love to read and travel. I recently also started doing CrossFit and have found that I really enjoy it and the community of people I have met.

What is a fun fact we don’t know about you?

A fun fact is that I self-taught myself how to surf this past summer in the Pacific Ocean off Vancouver Island. It was extremely difficult and I spent 4 hours in the water only to stand up maybe 5 times. I have also been to South Africa and Botswana, Africa on a volunteer trip and hope to go back in the near future.

 


About the USGA Boatwright Internship:
In 1991, the USGA established the P.J. Boatwright Internship program, which is designed to give experience to individuals who are interested in pursuing a career in golf administration. The internship also assists state and regional golf associations in the promotion of amateur golf. The MSGA is granted a seven-month intern, who will work from April through November. The MSGA’s intern helps conduct tournaments, membership services, handicapping, course rating, website administration and other activities to support golf in Maryland.