Sports Turf and Turf Management Careers
Turf Professionals work in all sorts of places, including:
- Golf Courses, Bowling Clubs, Horse Racing Tracks
- Sporting Complexes and Playing Fields: Football Grounds, Cricket Grounds, Athletics, etc
- Schools, Colleges, universities
- Turf Suppliers: seed companies, machinery suppliers, instant turf or sod suppliers
- Small Businesses -Mowing contractors, pest control contractors, turf renovators, landscapers, nurseries
- Government Parks Departments
- Turf Research
- Turf Education and Media .... and more
To work in this industry you need at minimum a Certificate level qualification; or equivalent knowledge and experience.
You don't become a competent turf manager by undertaking quickie short
courses -it takes time to learn properly and embed knowledge into your
mind, and it takes a properly constructed learning experience supported
by capable and knowledgeable educators
What is Needed to be a Sports Turf Manager?
Here are some examples of what employers have asked for:
- "Reporting to the General Manager and the Committee of Management, your role will involve the ongoing maintenance of the golf club, and also be involved in the planning and implementing of future course developments.
You will be well supported by a small team, as well as a group of volunteers. The successful applicant will have formal qualifications in turf management as well as computer and communication skills. You must have an advanced knowledge of agronomy and turf grass management practices. Ideally you will have previous experience working within a golf course and skills in irrigation, plumbing and maintenance will be to your advantage".
- "Assist in maintaining practice fields and stadium field to include mowing, fertilizing and general turf maintenance.
Set up playing fields for games, as well as other special events, including concerts. Required skills include year 6 high school plus 1 year relevant experience; ability to undertake manual labour in all weather conditions, good communication skills (written, computer and spoken), working irregular hours, formal training in turf or horticulture or a willingness to study these subjects while working. Experience and a record of success in business or management (in any industry)."
What to Study
Here is a link to a suitable course:
Certificate in Horticulture (Turf Management)
If you are already working in the industry but need to upgrade your knowledge the following short course is an excellent starting point:
Sports Turf Management