PGA WORKS Fellowship

Sunny Harris Hutchinson PGA WORKS Fellowship

The PGA WORKS Fellowship is one of the flagship programs of PGA REACH. The PGA WORKS Fellowship aspires to be the most valuable entry-level employment opportunity for individuals from diverse backgrounds to garner experience in all facets of the golf industry.

The Sunny Harris Hutchinson PGA WORKS Fellowship will go on in perpetuity in the Carolinas PGA Section and will continue to help evolve the changing demographic composition of the golf industry workforce, so that it reflects the demographic composition of modern-day America.

A devoted mother, wife, sister and daughter, as well as a graduate of Charlotte Latin and Davidson College, Sara went by her popular nickname of “Sunny.” She was a project interior designer and commercial broker at Lincoln Harris, the firm started by her father, Charlotte real estate developer and Quail Hollow Club President Johnny Harris. Sunny had a true passion for the game of golf and was largely involved in the 2017 PGA Championship at Quail Hollow Club, as well as the Wells Fargo Championship. She passed away suddenly in February, at the age of 43. The Fellowship serves as a lasting tribute to her loving memory, as well as her admiration for the game of golf.

“PGA REACH Carolinas will proudly pay tribute to the legacy of Sunny Harris Hutchinson and her incredible passion for the game, by naming one of the most significant and inspirational programs of PGA REACH in the Carolinas in her memory,” said PGA of America CEO Pete Bevacqua. “Designed with a focus on foundation programming, the Fellowship will also positively impact lives through golf for years to come.”

The PGA WORKS Fellowship is intended to engage a diverse group of participants. Collectively, they represent a wide array of demographics—including various  genders, ages, races/colors, national origin/ancestries, sexual orientation, disabilities and Veterans status—although all are welcome to apply.

Mia Hayasaki is named the NEW PGA WORKS Fellow

Mia was born and raised in Champaign, IL. At the age of 5 she began playing golf with her father in her front yard and played competitively as she grew older. She attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Psychology with a minor in Business. During her time at the U of I, she worked as a Program Assistant for Campus Recreation and a Marketing Assistant for the Athletics department. She is excited to be the 2022 Sunny Harris Hutchinson PGA WORKS Fellow!

Past Carolinas PGA WORKS Fellows

Current Fellow: Mia Hayasaki
2021-March 2022: Hannah Gostonczik 
2019- 2020: Gabriella Rivera-Garcia
2018-2019: Telvin Walker
2017-2018: Jessica Asbury