Programme Description
This 1-year course takes learners through every aspect require to be a successful Golf Course Superintendent, one of the highest paid positions in the golf industry.
Performance Development Programme
Students improve their playing skills under guidance of a qualified TGSE Coach. Students receive 40 coaching sessions per year, regular evaluations and individual practice plans. The coaches use state of the art technology such as Focusband, Flightscope and CoachNow to assist with the skills and technical learning.
Practical Learning
The learning process includes a large practical element to compliment the theory. Students will receive invaluable practical experience at one or more of our partner golf courses, typically two days per week or more at key maintenance periods of the year.
TGSE graduate Jerry Steyn at the Joburg Open
Academic Component
Topics covered include:
- Grasses species and plant identification
- Soil types
- Fertilising
- Golf course irrigation and drainage
- Mowing
- Pest control
- Equipment and maintenance
- Workshop safety
- Golf course design and construction
- Golf course management
- Putting green maintenance
- Maintaining bunkers
- Golf course marking and tournament preparation
- Budgeting
- Managing health and safety systems
Who Should Apply?
Golfers who want to pursue a career in Greenkeeping, Golf Course Management or Golf Course Construction, whilst still improving their playing ability.
Schedule
In a 40 week programme (4 cycles of 10 weeks), students will need to complete a minimum of 1000 “practical hours”. This is achieved by working at least 2 full days a week on the golf course and completing 6 hours of academic work a week (half of which will be supervised learning).
We recommend that students also take the “playing” option, which includes our internal tournament schedule and membership at Bellville Golf Club.
Graduate Employment
Our Greenkeeping graduates have been employed at top courses such as Royal Johannesburg & Kensington GC, Pecanwood Estate, Irene CC, Houghton GC, Steyn City and Golf Data amongst others. Graduates join our exclusive Alumni Club and receive regular job opportunities from around the world.
Enrolment Requirements
- Matriculation Certificate or equivalent
- Interview with Programme Director
Recognition
The qualification (National Certificate in Sports Turf) sits at an NQF Level 4 and is recognized by the Golf Course Managers and Greenkeepers Association (GCMGA).