Greenkeeping & Sportsturf Management

Course details

There is an ever increasing demand for high quality turf surfaces in golf and field sports, nationally and internationally. The Greenkeeping and Sports Turf Management course at Colaiste Stiofain Naofa provides students with the knowledge and skills required to maintain golf courses and sports turf facilities. Students carry out practical work on the colleges’ sports pitches which include a natural soccer pitch, natural GAA/Rugby pitch and synthetic soccer pitch. In addition, students make field trips to other sports turf facilities and golf courses.

Graduates of this program are equipped to work or indeed continue their study at limitless turfgrass maintenance facilities worldwide. 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.

AWARD

• QQI Level 6-FETAC Level 6
• Golf and Sports Turf Management
• 6M4330

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

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.

COURSE CONTENT

The following subjects may be offered:

Sports Turf Mechanisation

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 and Maintenance

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

This subject equips the learner with the knowledge, skill and competence to develop, organise and supervise the operation of a sports turf facility.

Ecology and Environment

Explores management of the natural environment.

Tree and Shrub Management

Investigates species selection, planting, and maintenance of trees and shrubs.

Word Processing

Equips the learner with the knowledge and skill to use a word processing application to complete a variety of tasks.

Communications

Covers verbal and non-verbal communication in relation to the golf and sports turf industry.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

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.