Golf clubs: How to be a golf course superintendent

Working at a golf club as a golf course superintendent can be a very rewarding job

Taking responsibility for some of the country's finest golf courses is a demanding but rewarding job. Here we look at the history of superintendents at golf clubs and what the work involves.

Advances in education have had a great impact on the professional growth of golf course superintendents. Until the 1950s, it was common for the superintendent to spend 90 percent of his/her time performing maintenance duties. Today, that figure is nearer to 35 percent as budgeting, scheduling, personnel, research, design and planning activities each command attention.

Colleges and universities began offering golf course management curriculums featuring classes in agronomy, business management and communication. The first vocational course for greenkeepers was introduced in 1927 by the University of Massachusetts , which followed shortly with a two-year course of study. In 1957, a two-year course in turfgrass management was started at Penn State . During the 1960s and 1970s, numerous vocational and university turfgrass programs became available and today more than 100 colleges and universities offer two and/or four-year degrees.

A recent Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) study indicates that 95 percent of golf course superintendents have some post-high school education. For superintendents younger than 30, that number is just over 98 percent. Approximately 47 percent of the college degrees earned by superintendents are in turfgrass management, with 12 percent in horticulture, 10 percent in agronomy and eight percent in business administration. Continuing education is virtually a requirement for golf course superintendents in order to perform at a high level.

What does the work involve?

Greenkeepers are responsible for the maintenance and care of golf courses at golf clubs. Their understanding of turf science is important to the overall performance and enjoyment of golf club members and paying guests.

They maintain the soil and turf, and prepare the fairways, greens and tees to enhance the performance of golfers. While mowing fine turf is one of their main tasks, they are responsible for many things, including:

• repairing wear and tear caused by golfers and animals
• raking and clearing sand bunkers
• re-turfing greens and planting trees

The advantages of working as a greenkeeper at a golf club are manifold. You get to work outside in the fresh air, keep physically fit and if you're lucky you can get to work at some of the most prestigious golf clubs around the country.

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