Jake Toliver (’12) & Sean Noonan, U.S. Open Operations | Penn State College of Health and Human Development

The 123rd U.S. Open, the national open golf championship of the United States, was held from June 15 through June 18, 2023 at The Los Angeles Country Club in California. Part of its operations were run by an alumnus and a current student of Penn State’s Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management major.

Jake Toliver, PGA (’12) (left in image) is a PGA Professional Golf Management alumnus, and the Director of Instruction at The Los Angeles Country Club.

Golf Digest recently named Jake one of the Top 50 Teaching Professionals in California, as well as one of the Best Young Teachers in America.

Sean Noonan (left in above image) is a senior PGA PGM student at Penn State, and is completing his second internship with The Los Angeles Country Club this summer. PGA PGM students are required to complete 16 months of internship before graduating. Sean has previously completed two internships with Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in New York. As this is his final internship before graduating later this year, Sean had an exceptional opportunity with helping host the U.S. Open.

The 2023 U.S. Open field was comprised of 156 players and welcomed 23,000 guests in attendance. All that to say, Jake and Sean were busy. “It was just an unreal experience, especially being able to watch the trophy presentation on the green after the tournament,” said Sean. I was able “to see all of the players up close and personal on the range all week.”

We love to see RPTM alumni excelling in their careers and mentoring current students, and are proud of the work Jake and Sean have done.

The U.S. Open. Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management. Alumni Mentoring. A hole-in-one on any course!