Would-be caretakers of golf courses and baseball fields need a thorough
understanding of the chemistry, botany and business involved. That's what
students learn in a turf management program.
For over 40 years, universities and two-year colleges have offered degree,
diploma and certificate programs in turf management. These programs take students
through basic biology to advanced concepts of botany, including weed
and pest identification. Other subjects covered include budget management
and park and recreation administration.
A two-year program teaches students how to pick the best plant varieties
and decide the best locations for greens versus roughs. The added two years
in a four-year program prepare students to take their skills to the next level,
designing and building golf courses.
Pat Vittum is a turfgrass professor at the Stockbridge School of Agriculture
in Massachusetts. Stockbridge offers a two-year program, with the option to
transfer into the four-year program at the University of Massachusetts afterwards.
Vittum says students should think about their career plans when choosing
a program. "There are a lot of landscape operations where you could do
very well with a two-year degree, but if you want to rise to a position like
golf course superintendent, you'll need the four-year degree," she says.
Many programs also teach students about the business side of things.
They learn how to handle budgets, personnel and promotion. You'll also be
expected to hire others to assist you in the hands-on care of the courses
and fields. Finally, you may be asked to participate in organizing special
events.
Preparation for a turf management degree or diploma usually starts with
a love for outdoor sports, most likely golf. That means any golfing experience
will give you an edge.
You should also enjoy science. "The program includes a lot of chemistry
and biological sciences," says Nick Christians, a professor of turf management
at Iowa State University. He suggests high school students take classes
in math, chemistry, biology and even English and speech.
Students also need leadership skills. "We want them to have some kind of
experience managing or supervising others. We look for them to have held a
lead role in an association or on a sports team," says turf management professor
Gerry Lettner.
Most programs require students to gain experience through a summer or
semester internship. "The internship, or what we call a work practicum,
is a 16-week commitment that students are required to take, usually between
the first and second year of the program," says Lettner.
Fortunately, most schools have strong relationships with local and national
golf courses, where student interns are placed. Contacts made during internships
often lead to job offers upon graduation.
Links
Occupational Outlook Handbook
For more information related to this field of study, see: Grounds
Maintenance Workers
Turf Management Resources
Check out these links from the California Integrated Waste Management
Board
FieldTurf
A new artificial turf type with a grassy feel