What would I have to know to become a golf course greenkeeper?
What would I have to know to become a golf course greenkeeper?
I think it would be a very good job as you would have to get up early in the morning to keep the greens good, changing pins and so on.
To do it, what qualifications would I have to have and other jobs comes with greenkeeping (fairways, tees, club committy ect???)
Any greenkeepers or anyone who knows one…please answer. Oh, and what does it pay?
No related posts.
Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.
7 Responses
2.2.2010
I graduated from Penn State's Turfgrass Management program. PSU graduates are superintendants at 20 of the top 100 golf courses in the US. First, get a job working on the grounds crew at a golf course for at least two summers. Next, appy to Penn State. If accepted, you are well on your way to a career in Turf Management. Superintendants at private clubs make $50,000-$80k, with those at the TOP COURSES, like Augusta, Pebble, Pine Valley, making over $100,000 per year. There are other outstanding Turf Programs in the US, like Clemson, and ATI at Wooster of Ohio State. I'm sure there are many more.Once you graduate from a Turf program you usually become an Assistant Superintendant, then after a few years, if you are good, you can apply to Superintendant positions as they become available.My Professor, Dr. Joseph Duich, was the man responsible for developing and breeding most of the Bentgrasses used in the world today for golf course greens and fairways. He says the field is 10% knowledge, and 90% communications skills. Keep that in mind.
2.2.2010
working at a golf course is a good idea.
2.2.2010
I am an alumnus of the Carl Spackler Institute for Greenskeeping and Varmint Control. A degree from this program qualifies you for a job as an assistant greenskeeper, which, unfortunately, doesn't mean anything with furniture dealers. You might be able to work your way up however. If you are head greenskeeper, you're pretty much the most important person on the course. It can be a lot of work to coordinate mowing schedules, hole positions, rough length, etc. for 18 holes (and sometimes 27 or more). Good luck.
2.2.2010
First of all, the type of grass (Tiptoe) the club used. Secondly, you should know how to "read" the grass (fast, slow). Added bonus would be to learn the rules of the game of golf and etiquette. Not much of a help but some little ideas to put in your head. Good luck!
2.2.2010
It is usually a 3 year apprenticeship to become a Course Superintendent, you learn grasses, diseases and how to prevent, insects that can damage grass, there is a lot to it, if you just want to drive the lawn mower then that is a different story. I dont know where you are this site is for Australia http://www.vgcsa.com.au/ but a google search will give you a local one. Pays well if you are fully qualified. Source(s): http://www.2telgolf.com
2.2.2010
To be greenskeeper at a quality course or club, you're going to need a degree in turf science. Penn State has the top-rated program in the US for such a degree.A friend of mine from college went on to get his graduate degree in Turf Science from PSU, and now he's the head greenskeeper for Quail Hollow Club in NC, home of the Wachovia Championship. When you have that job at a PGA Tour course, you're earning some serious money. At a good country club, you're probably looking at the very early 6 figures. Public courses (not resort or high-end daily fee courses) would top out closer to 60k, but wouldn't attract the top talent.Of course, Penn State isn't the only school offering a degree in Turf Science. Look in your home state for an Ag school, or do some hunting online.Oh…and if you ever get that job, carry a taser with you. Use it on anyone who doesn't fix ball marks.
2.2.2010
Well….back in the day…..nothing….just show up….learn…. listen…… and show up the next day….. don't need a degree for that one!!!!!! You could probably make more money selling pot to the old dudes…..ha ha ha….serious…..mmmm