Alvarez, Sukmana Prove to be Shining Examples of PGA WORKS Mission

The most culturally significant championship in collegiate golf takes place annually in May at PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie Florida. The 54-hole PGA WORKS Collegiate Championship is a stroke-play event contested across six divisions

A diverse group of women have made a major impact on the PGA WORKS Collegiate Championship in recent years, namely Sofia Alvarez and Taylor Sukmana.

Taylor Sukmana, a 2020 graduate of Palm Beach Atlantic University, found herself finishing in the top ten and top five of the PGA WORKS Collegiate the past two years. Having grown up in Port St. Lucie, she always found herself having a leg up on the competition as PGA golf Club was her home course growing up.

“I definitely had an advantage playing at PGA Golf Club because it was my home course in middle school and high school,” said Sukmana. “I was able to use the same yardage and green notes I've referenced my whole life, and the PGA always keeps the course in great condition for us to take full advantage of the layout.”

Since graduating with a nursing degree this past May, Taylor has now begun her career in the nursing industry in South Florida.

Sofia Alvarez is an example of what PGA WORKS aims to deliver, increased awareness of career opportunities in golf in hopes that student-athletes remain in the industry.

“This is more than just the average golf tournament,” added Alvarez. “The PGA of America is trying to diversify the golf industry and that’s what this tournament is all about. Playing great golf and learning about careers in the industry from the best at the PGA changed my life. They helped me acquire a PGA WORKS Fellowship which has been the best professional experience of my life so far.”

Originally from Venezuela, Alvarez played two years in the championship competing in the Women’s D1 Division. She finished in the top 10 twice and had a top five finish in 2018.

“This was always the last tournament of the year, and it was very exciting knowing it’d be played at a PGA of America course hosted by their staff,” claimed Alvarez. “Not only was the course amazing, but the career opportunities made this tournament my favorite of all.”

Sofia is currently in Graduate school at Tulane University and will look to re-enter the PGA of America’s workforce upon graduation.