Sarah Seaman of Garrettsville was among a group of Hiram College sport management students recently had the rare opportunity to step “inside the ropes” at the Ryder Cup, one of golf’s most prestigious international tournaments.
During the competition days, students were stationed at various holes throughout the course, where they learned and used hand signals to communicate with broadcast teams-indicating where golfers’ shots had landed. Their observations helped update live television coverage and online platforms in real time. Students also supported greenside marshals by assisting with crowd control when shots veered into the gallery, providing them a front-row look at how major sporting events operate behind the scenes.
“This experience can impact students’ education at Hiram in many ways,” said Dr. White, assistant professor of sport management. “The first-hand experiences these students have gained will provide numerous examples to draw on in nearly any course within the sport management curriculum. We intentionally structure discussions and reflections to connect these experiences to classroom learning. It not only helps students understand new material but also encourages them to think critically and creatively about how concepts are applied in real-world settings. Combining a COSMA-accredited degree with experiences like this positions our graduates for great success after Hiram.”
For students, the experience was as thrilling as it was educational.
“There were so many exciting parts of the experience that it’s hard to choose just one!” shared Aidan Griffin ’26, one of the student volunteers. “Some of the highlights included getting autographs from Bryson DeChambeau, Collin Morikawa, and Justin Thomas, meeting YouTubers GoodGood Golf and Handshake Bets, and watching Team USA nearly stage an incredible comeback. It was an unforgettable experience filled with nonstop excitement from start to finish.”
Beyond the excitement, students walked away with invaluable professional growth. “Working at such a large international event taught me how to communicate effectively, adapt quickly, and stay organized under pressure,” Griffin said. “It gave me insight into how large-scale sporting events are managed and strengthened my teamwork and leadership skills. Overall, volunteering at the Ryder Cup prepared me to handle responsibility and work confidently in any fast-paced environment.”
