Greensboro, NC – Shelby Garcia is a recent May 2026 graduate from the University of South Carolina, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Marketing with a minor in Mass Communications. Originally born in Seattle, Washington, but raised in Greenville, South Carolina, Shelby spent her college years balancing a rigorous academic schedule with significant leadership roles and professional development opportunities. Her journey to becoming the 10th Sara “Sunny” Harris Hutchinson PGA WORKS Fellow for PGA REACH Carolinas stems from recognizing the profound impact the game of golf has on individuals and the community. 

Growing up as a dedicated multi-sport athlete, Shelby focused primarily on soccer and basketball. While her father frequently encouraged her to take up golf, she initially preferred to stay on the court or the pitch. It was not until her sophomore year of college that she was introduced to the game in a clear and impactful way. Through an opportunity provided by the University of South Carolina’s hospitality school, Shelby was selected to work the 2025 Masters Tournament. The experience at Augusta National Golf Club became a turning point in her life. Stepping onto the greens and witnessing the genuine happiness of every patron sparked a new passion within her and left her feeling grateful for the chance to be part of such a storied tradition. Following that experience, she knew she wanted to pursue a career within the golf industry. 

To gain a deeper understanding of the business, Shelby began working locally at The Woodcreek Club in Elgin, South Carolina. Serving as a Pro Shop Assistant, she managed day-to-day operations, handled inventory, answered phones, and assisted golfers. This role provided her with essential insight into the behind-the-scenes mechanics of running a premier facility. On campus, she served as the Vice President of Membership Development for her sorority, guiding a large new member class and honing her collaborative leadership style. Additionally, she worked as a Stand Manager for 7 Brew, a role that taught her how to lead a team and manage operations in a high-energy, fast paced environment while maintaining a fun and productive atmosphere. 

As a Carolinas native, Shelby found the perfect intersection of her personal and professional goals within the Carolinas PGA, allowing her to launch her career while staying close to home. Now as an active member of the team, she is eager to continue expanding her knowledge of the golf industry through daily collaboration with dedicated PGA Professionals across the Section. She is committed to the mission of growing the game and ensuring that every individual feels a sense of belonging on the course. By leaning into her leadership experiences and her passion for community building, Shelby is excited to foster a more inclusive environment and create memorable experiences for golfers throughout the region. 

Please join the Carolinas PGA in welcoming Shelby Garcia to the team!

Shelby Garcia | garcias@pgahq.com | 10th Sunny Harris Hutchinson PGA WORKS Fellow

The Sunny Harris Hutchinson PGA WORKS Fellowship is a tribute to the life and legacy of Sara “Sunny” Harris Hutchinson, whose passion for golf and commitment to inclusivity continue to inspire the next generation of professionals in the game.

A devoted mother, wife, sister, and daughter, Sunny was a proud graduate of Charlotte Latin and Davidson College. She built a successful career as a project interior designer and commercial broker at Lincoln Harris, the firm founded by her father, Johnny Harris, a prominent Charlotte real estate developer and Quail Hollow Club President.

Sunny’s deep love for golf was evident through her involvement in the 2017 PGA Championship at Quail Hollow Club and the Wells Fargo Championship. Her sudden passing in February 2018, at the age of 43, left a profound impact on her family, friends, and the golf community. In her memory, the Sunny Harris Hutchinson PGA WORKS Fellowship was created to honor her dedication to the sport and her belief in making golf more inclusive and accessible to all.

Now in its ninth year, the PGA WORKS Fellowship provides young professionals with a 15-month, paid immersion in the Carolinas PGA Section’s operations, helping them develop skills in various aspects of the golf industry. The program has a proven track record of success—100% of the seven past PGA WORKS Fellows have gone on to secure full-time employment in the golf industry, reinforcing its impact in shaping future leaders of the game.

The PGA REACH Carolinas Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and the philanthropic arm of the Carolinas PGA Section, the largest of the 41 PGA Sections in the country. With members across North and South Carolina, the foundation is committed to serving communities and growing the game of golf through its three core pillars: Youth, Military, and Inclusion.