Greenkeeping & Sports Turf Management
Course Description
This course has been designed to meet the increasing demand for high quality turf surfaces in golf and field sports nationally and internationally. Students carry out practical work on the colleges’ sports pitches which include a natural soccer pitch, natural GAA/Rugby pitch and synthetic soccer pitch. Field trips to other sports turf facilities and golf courses are central to the course. On successful completion of the course students will have gained the knowledge and skills required to maintain golf courses and sports turf facilities.
Graduates of this program are equipped to work or indeed continue their study at limitless turfgrass maintenance facilities worldwide.
CSN also has strong links with the Ohio State internship programme which gives graduates the opportunity to complete a 12 month internship at one of the top golf courses in the USA.
QQI Level 6
Golf & Sports Turf Management
6M4330
This is a one year course
Leaving Certificate, L.C.A. or equivalent, with some practical experience in Greenkeeping or Sportsturf Maintenance is desirable. Mature students without formal qualifications are welcome to apply for places on this course. All applicants are interviewed and places are awarded on suitability.
The following subjects may be offered:
-
Sports Turf Mechanisation
6N3629
Examines the use of machinery and equipment in the sports turf area, including; selection, set-up, routine maintenance, correct use, storage etc. -
Sports Turf Science & Maintenance
6N3622
Equips the learner with the knowledge, skill and competence to manage factors that influence the development, quality and maintenance of sports turf. -
Sports Turf Facilities
6N3628
This subject equips the learner with the knowledge, skill and competence to develop, organise and supervise the operation of a sports turf facility. -
Ecology & Environment
6N3645
Explores management of the natural environment. -
Tree & Shrub Management
6N3624
Investigates species selection, planting, and maintenance of trees and shrubs. -
Finance
6N4165
This award equips the learner with the knowledge, skill and competence in the principles and practice of financial planning, reporting and analysis within an organisation. -
Communications
6N1950
Covers verbal and non-verbal communication in relation to the golf and sports turf industry.
Greenkeeper, Golf Course Superintendent, Groundsman, Sports Turf Contractor.
Graduates have gone on to work or study at Cranfield University, Mississippi State University, Ohio State University, Myerscough College, Elmwood College, Augusta National, Bethpage Park, Winged Foot, Fota Island, Ballybunion and Mount Juliet.
For full details on progression opportunities see these links:
Cork Colleges Progression Scheme
QQI Requirements
- Elmwood College, Scotland: HNC/HND Golf Course Management
- Myerscough College, England: BSc Hons Sports Turf Science and Management
- The Ohio State Internship Program
- MTU: BSc Horticulture (CR011)
- UCD: BAgrSc Hons Horticulture, Landscape and Sports Turf Management (DN272)
- SETU/Kildalton College: BSc Horticulture (WD096)
- SETU/National Botanic Gardens: BSc Horticulture (WD097)
Special Features
Students will complete six months work placement at a golf course or sports turf facility under the supervision of a qualified golf course superintendent. This work placement takes place on a one-day per week basis during the academic year and on a full-time basis during the summer.