SMBA at the 2025 Farmers Insurance Open
SMBA ’25 first started their Farmers Insurance Open experience with an orientation ahead of the tournament at Torrey Pines Golf Course led by the Century Club of San Diego’s Executive VP of Communications & Community Affairs Jennifer Cota. Students got a behind-the-scenes tour of the event and heard from additional Century Club staff, including CEO Marty Gorsich and Marketing & PR Director Shana Medley. The class learned about the Club’s background and role with the tournament, the layout of the event, the volunteer positions they’d be working, and received helpful industry and networking advice. Michael Rolnick rounded out the tour with a captivating lecture to the group where he shared his personal insights and knowledge of the Farmers Insurance Open and PGA.
Sporting their signature "Aztec red and black" jackets, SMBA students played a vital role during the four days by assisting in various roles throughout the tournament, including Social Caddies, Entrance Ambassadors and Career Tour Ambassadors. Entrance Ambassadors welcomed attendees as one of the first friendly faces upon arrival, assisted with ticket services, helped answer questions and promoted “must see” areas on the course. Social Caddies were responsible for assisting the Century Club’s marketing team with social media content that captured the lifestyle event and activations onsite. The Club’s core charitable program is Champions of Youth, which benefits six San Diego charities who serve under-resourced youth. This year, the Club hosted a walking tour for 30 youth from Promises 2 Kids, Barrio Logan College Institute and Reality Changers to learn about opportunities in golf in San Diego. SMBA ambassadors assisted the staff with the tour and connected with the selected students.
There are perhaps few sporting event settings as picturesque as Torrey Pines Golf Course. SMBA is lucky to continue to be involved in the Farmers Insurance Open. The event provides students with beneficial experiential learning, networking, a record-high step count, and a memorable week for Sports MBA! A special thank you to Marty Gorsich, Jennifer Cota, Shana Medley, Gaelen Kepics (SMBA ’23), Paiton Wimberly, Susie Botos, Haley Kachigan (SMBA ’22) and Michael Rolnick!
