Learning on legendary ground

Auburn students’ unforgettable experience working at the Masters

This coming week, the world’s top golfers will tee it up at the 90th Masters Tournament, vying for a shot at winning one of golf’s most iconic tournaments. Dozens of Auburn University students will also be there working at famed Augusta National Golf Club in retail, food service and operations positions.

Colin Blankner, Drue Coberly, Campbell Kellis, Han Lee and Maya Patrosz are among the students from the Harbert College of Business and College of Human Sciences who were hired for the 2025 Tournament team last year and are returning for a second round of work and learning.

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“The Masters’ relationship with Auburn — in its 10th year with Human Sciences and second year with Harbert Business — reflects our shared commitment to excellence in seeking students who have integrity, drive and can provide unparalleled service."

Harbert Dean Jennifer Mueller-Phillips

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"The opportunity to work the Masters Tournament is more than a job — it's an immersive leadership experience,” said Michelle Keesee, director of Harbert College’s employer engagement. “Our students gain real-world exposure in a setting defined by tradition and excellence, and Augusta National gains access to driven, polished talent ready to perform on a global stage."

Providing a great first impression

A typical day for Colin Blankner, who will work as an event operations assistant again, includes welcoming, giving directions and answering questions from the Masters patrons as they enter the grounds at the North Gate, which is close to the first hole and the North Golf Shop.

That shop is often the initial destination for patrons as they enter Augusta National because of its wide selection of Masters-branded merchandise.

“You’re on your feet for up to 15 hours a day and it’s hot [out], but you’re at the Masters,” said Blankner, a junior majoring in management from Charlotte, N.C. “Just being there was truly an amazing experience. And you want to boost the patrons’ experience to the next level.”

Nearby, Drue Coberly will once again work merchandise queue operations outside the North Golf Shop, helping expedite queues and elevate the patron experience. Despite the demanding hours — up before dawn to catch the hotel shuttle to the course by 6:00 am and not back until after 8:00 pm — Coberly loved every minute of her 2025 experience and especially appreciated the camaraderie of her co-workers and the patrons.

“Three days into it, I was [thinking] this is the best week of my life,” said Coberly, a finance sophomore from Manhattan Beach, Calif., who came to appreciate the Club and Tournament’s no-phones policy. “It was cool to just be totally present. Everyone around you is so in the moment. I’d do it 10 more times if I could.” 

Elevating patrons’ shopping experience

Business administration sophomore Campbell Kellis worked as an accessories salesperson in the North Golf Shop.

Overall, Kellis appreciated the great work culture, especially getting to know her fellow retail workers and other employees around the course.

“The gallery guides are definitely my favorite people,” said Kellis, who grew up in Columbiana, Ala. “Most of them have been working the Masters for many years, and they all had insider tips.

“My supervisors were [also] amazing,” she said. “They were accommodating because they understood that this may be our only time possibly in our entire lives to be at Augusta National.”

Premier hospitality experience

Hospitality management senior Han Lee was part of the culinary team at Calamity Jane’s restaurant in Berckmans Place, the premier hospitality venue at Augusta National Golf Club. As a line cook, he prepared staples like hamburgers and hot dogs.

Going into the job for the first time last year, Lee acknowledged some jitters.

“I’m not very nervous about most things, but I knew what was at stake and I knew I had to bring my…work ethic into it,” said Lee, who is back for the 2026 tournament.

His Auburn training, skills and knowledge kicked in, and any worries evaporated like the morning dew in the warm Georgia sun.  

Lee said working at the Masters was instructional.

“It teaches you a lot about discipline and listening before you speak,” said Lee, who is from Enterprise, Ala., and has taken up golf since working at the Tournament.

Perhaps the most memorable moment from 2025, Lee said, was the roller coaster of emotion near the Tournament’s end.

Lee was preparing and serving food inside Berckmans Place when Rory McIlroy and Justin Rose strode up to No. 18 green during the sudden-death playoff.

“We weren’t anywhere near the course, but you could literally feel the building shake because so many people were cheering inside,” Lee said, recalling the reaction of everyone watching when McIlroy made his historic putt.

High-end shopping experience

Marketing senior Maya Patrosz worked as a sales attendant selling attire in Berckmans Place.

Her Auburn internships with athletic communications and football recruiting prepared her well for interacting with the clientele who visited the shop.

That experience, she said, taught her how to be composed and treat the guests professionally, no matter who they are.

She also appreciated the opportunity to learn from some fantastic co-workers.

“You’re working with incredible people, some of the best in the industry — retirees, experts in their fields, fellow college students — and you learn so much from them,” she said.

Recruiting for 2027

According to Harbert’s employer liaison Keesee, representatives from the Masters will be back on campus to recruit in September.

Patrosz encourages other Auburn students to consider applying to work the 2027 Masters Tournament.

“The Tournament is such a high-class tradition, and every single detail is so perfectly thought out — from the service you receive in the store, to the sandwiches [at concession stands], to the beautiful grounds,” said Patrosz, who is originally from Darien, Conn., and is excited to be back at Augusta. “I highly recommend doing it because you won’t forget [the experience].”

The Masters — to paraphrase long-time Tournament broadcaster Jim Nantz’s signature line — is a tradition unlike any other, said Blankner. “Just being out there is something special that you can’t even really describe. It’s something everyone should go experience at least once in their life.”

Learn more about jobs at the Masters from the Tournament site. All applicants must be able to commit to 10 consecutive days at Augusta, working at the Augusta National Women’s Amateur practice round and Championship (Friday and Saturday), the Drive Chip & Putt National Finals for elite junior players (Sunday), the Masters practice rounds (Monday – Wednesday), and the 72-hole Masters Tournament (Thursday - Sunday). 

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