Joseph Bernard McGovern career began when he established a professional relationship with Donald Ross, who was building a course in McGovern’s hometown in Pennsylvania. McGovern would be hired by Ross and spent most of his design career as an associate, operating Ross’ office in Pennsylvania. When Ross died in 1948, McGovern designed solo projects for a brief period of time.

McGovern was one of the 14 founding members of the ASGCA in 1947. He served as an ASGCA member for five years until his death in 1952.