Greenskeeper

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OFO No: 611303

 

 

 

 

Other names for Greenskeeper:

Golf Course Superintendent
Grounds Maintainer
Groundskeeper
Turf Curator
Turf Keeper
Turf Manager

What is a Greenskeeper?

A Greenskeeper is a specialised ‘gardener’ who generally works on golf courses.

Golf courses need very specialised care.

There are so many areas that the Greenskeeper has to look after:

  • The large expansive lawns (fairways) need to be cared for and mowed
  • Bunkers
  • Ponds / Streams
  • Trees
  • Irrigation
  • Fertilising / Pesticides
  • Flags & Markers etc

What does a Greenskeeper do?

  • constantly monitors the whole golf course
  • checks for damage, pests, etc
  • mows the fairways (or monitors staff)
  • rakes bunkers
  • removes weeds
  • checks the irrigation is working efficiently
  • removes trash from ponds
  • checks flags are in good order and in the right holes
  • checks for alien vegetation or pests or disease and treats accordingly
  • plants new plants or grass
  • fertilises
  • makes changes to course, when required
  • trims tree branches
  • prepares course for matches
  • repairs golf course after storm damage

Are you . . . ?

  • interested in a mainly outdoor career?
  • interested in plants and nature?
  • willing to work in all weather conditions?
  • observant?
  • reliable and responsible?
  • a team player?
  • a person with ‘green’ fingers?
  • hard working?

How do I become a Greenskeeper?

There are many paths to becoming a Greenskeeper:

PATH 1

  • Work alongside a professional Groundskeeper and learn through work experience

PATH 2

  • Study landscaping or horticulture
  • Work at a golf club and get work experience and skills

PATH 3

  • Some place will offer short courses on Greenkeeping:
  • CLICK HERE: SAQA – Assist in the Greenkeeping of Golf Course Maintenance

  • THE TURF GRASS MANAGERS ASSOCIATION (TGMA)

http://www.tgmagauteng.co.za/

  • SILVERLAKES GOLF ACADEMY

International Greenkeeping Qualification (full time)

http://www.silverlakes.co.za/golf-club/golf-academy (click on Full Time Curriculum)

 

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Gardener / Groundkeeper or Botanist

Is becoming a Greenskeeper the right career choice for me?

 


 


Qualification Required Work Outdoors