Agricultural Careers

By: Dr. Frank Flanders and Anna Burgess

Georgia Agricultural Education Curriculum Office

Georgia Department of Education

June 2005

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What does a Golf Course Superintendent do?

•Educate employees regarding general turfgrass management, environmental issues, health and safety issues and their general responsibilities•Develop a budget and then work to provide the best management while remaining in that budget •Report to the golf course owner regarding workers, finances, and supplies•Communicate jobs and duties expected from staff members and then supervise and participate as the duties are performed•Supervise all aspects of golf course maintenance including but not limited to irrigation, fertilizing, seeding, and mowing•Must comply with federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations•Make sure that the playing conditions are fair for all skill levels and provides the right mixture of challenge and entertainment

What kind of qualities and skills are needed?

Golf course superintendents should have a love for being outside and working with nature. This includes a concern for nature as well.

They must be competent with machinery such as tractors, golf carts and all kinds of mowers.

Since the superintendent supervises other workers and meets new people on a regular basis, he or she must have good communication skills and able to deal with people of all personality types.

What is my salary?

Golf Course Superintendents usually earn anywhere from $25,000 in entry-level positions to $50,000 to $100,000 or more for experienced and successful superintendents. Upper salaries vary widely, depending on the ability, success and reputation of the superintendent. The best golf course superintendent jobs are known as some of the best paying jobs in ornamental horticulture

What are the conditions of the work environment?

•Golf courses or outside in similar surroundings

•Inside in offices dealing with record keeping and personnel duties

•Various weather conditions

•May work 40 or more hours a week

How can I become a Golf Course Superintendent?

As the career of golf course superintendent becomes more competitive, a greater need for a formal education exists. A college or technical school degree in golf course management, agronomy, landscaping, turf grass management, horticulture or a similar field is strongly encouraged. Many technical schools offer two-year programs specifically in golf course management.

The Golf Course Superintendents Association provides a certification program which will typically allow an individual to earn a higher salary and provide opportunities for career advancement.

Related Organizations

Golf Course Superintendents Association of AmericaInternet: http://www.gcsaa.org

United States Golf AssociationInternet: http://www.usga.org

National Golf FoundationInternet: http://www.ngf.org

Professional Grounds Management SocietyInternet: http://www.pgms.org

Associated Landscape Contractors of AmericaInternet: http://www.alca.org

Professional Lawn Care Association of AmericaInternet: http://www.plcaa.org