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.
Testimonials
Greenkeeping; From Donegal to the USA to Dubai
I completed the Greenkeeping and Sports Turf Management course at Tramore Campus in 2022 after previously having a career in finance. I found the course to be extremely informative and engaging. All the teachers were knowledgeable and were accommodating to me as I was travelling from Donegal every week to complete the course. During the course I completed my work experience at Rosapenna Hotel and Golf Resort under the supervision of the Golf Course Manager Chris Breen, himself a graduate of Tramore Road Campus.
Following graduation, I went to the USA on the Ohio State Internship Program working at a couple of the top Golf Courses in the USA in Plainfield Country Club in New Jersey and Harbour Town Golf Links in South Carolina. During my time in the USA, I was able to get tournament experience at the 2022 US Amateur Championship at Ridgewood Country Club, the 2023 RBC Heritage at Harbour Town Golf Links and the 2023 Wells Fargo Championship at Quail Hollow.
In May 2023, I moved to Dubai to begin another internship at the Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club, which will host the Dubai Invitational on the DP World Tour in January 2024. I’m delighted to have now gained a full-time role as the Assistant Golf Course Superintendent at Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club.
I am very grateful to Daniel Crowley and all the staff at Tramore Road Campus for the opportunities that have arisen for me which I would not otherwise have had. If you want to develop a career in turfgrass management and have opportunities to travel the world I would highly recommend taking this course.
John Doran
In This Section
prospectus
Fees
Student Services: €250
QQI Exam Fees: €80*
Field Trips: €70
College Jacket: €55
GCSAI Membership €55
BIGGA Membership: €40
Manuals: €45
Total: €595
Please note that only debit cards/visa/mastercard payments are acceptable for payment. The College cannot accept cash/cheque.
* Note: Students with medical cards are exempt from paying the QQI exam fee.
Course Director
Daniel Crowley
Phone: 021 2067636
Email: daniel.crowley@csn.ie
testimonials
I completed the Greenkeeping and Sports Turf Management course at Tramore Campus in 2022 after previously having a career in finance. I found the course to be extremely informative and engaging. All the teachers were knowledgeable and were accommodating to me as I was travelling from Donegal every week to complete the course. During the course I completed my work experience at Rosapenna Hotel and Golf Resort under the supervision of the Golf Course Manager Chris Breen, himself a graduate of Tramore Road Campus.
John Doran
Following graduation, I went to the USA on the Ohio State Internship Program working at a couple of the top Golf Courses in the USA in Plainfield Country Club in New Jersey and Harbour Town Golf Links in South Carolina. During my time in the USA, I was able to get tournament experience at the 2022 US Amateur Championship at Ridgewood Country Club, the 2023 RBC Heritage at Harbour Town Golf Links and the 2023 Wells Fargo Championship at Quail Hollow.
In May 2023, I moved to Dubai to begin another internship at the Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club, which will host the Dubai Invitational on the DP World Tour in January 2024. I’m delighted to have now gained a full-time role as the Assistant Golf Course Superintendent at Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club.
I am very grateful to Daniel Crowley and all the staff at Tramore Road Campus for the opportunities that have arisen for me which I would not otherwise have had. If you want to develop a career in turfgrass management and have opportunities to travel the world I would highly recommend taking this course.
