Any one on this site employed by a course? How did you get involved? Uni? Apprenticeship?

What kind of people do you think make good greenskeepers? Any tips for someone that would be interested?

I mowed greens and changed cups at a course the summer after I finished high school. I just applied at the course with the grounds keeper. Greenskeeping really isn’t that hard to do.

I mowed greens and changed cups at a course the summer after I finished high school. I just applied at the course with the grounds keeper. Greenskeeping really isn’t that hard to do.

A star that shines twice as bright burns twice as fast. – In memory of Greg Moore

Racinfarmer will be signing autographs at the mall from 3 to 5.

Don’t you need to know about chemicals and types of grass? stuff like that? Or is that someone else and greenskeeping is different?

It is all stuff you would learn as part of your apprentice ship. The main criteria of a greenskeeper is WORKING HARD, very hard. I am not a greenskeeper, but a mate of mine was and he said its tough work and crap money. He is a keen golfer, but told me that he lost alot of enthiuisiasm to play when he was working as he was too tired and over the course. Personally, find a job where you can make more money doing something less physical.

If you like being outside and dont mind hard physical work then try it, if you dont like it it will look good on a resume,
the things employers are looking for are pretty basic.
70% reliability (be in time)
10% being willing to learn (hang on every word your supervisor says :P )
and
20% responsibility (say when you notice something is broken – or fix it if you know how)

Greenskeeping really isn’t that hard to do.

Real greenskeeping knowledge comes in with turf installation and management; chemical use, safety and application; greens maintenance, fertilisation and coring; pest control; irrigation practice; machinery maintenance; and other operations like green and tee construction.

It’s knowing what to do when half a green dies from fungal infection, or turf grass reacts against an incorrect pH, or the mower starts cutting badly, or having to work out where in the irrigation line a fault is that is causing overwatering.

I mowed greens and changed cups at a course the summer after I finished high school. I just applied at the course with the grounds keeper. Greenskeeping really isn’t that hard to do.

A star that shines twice as bright burns twice as fast. – In memory of Greg Moore

Racinfarmer will be signing autographs at the mall from 3 to 5.

Don’t you need to know about chemicals and types of grass? stuff like that? Or is that someone else and greenskeeping is different?

In the States (where I am from), the head groundsmaster deals with all the chemicals. I am guessing part of this is because of experience, and part of this is liability because most of the groundscrew at golf courses are college kids.

If you are talking about running the grounds care at a golf course, I’d look into going to the University of Pennsylvania in State College, PA and looking into their golf program there, regardless of your location. I thought about it and even got accepted into the program.

And Publish, when I hear greenskeeper, I probably think of stuff a bit differently.

Greens keeper = greens care
Grounds crew = tee boxes, fairways, roughs, general course
Grounds Master = college degree & oversees everything related to the course except the clubhouse.

Greenskeeping really isn’t that hard to do.

It’s not hard to do if all you do is mowing and changing cups. Like that’s all there is.

Real greenskeeping knowledge comes in with turf installation and management; chemical use, safety and application; greens maintenance, fertilisation and coring; pest control; irrigation practice; machinery maintenance; and other operations like green and tee construction.

It’s knowing what to do when half a green dies from fungal infection, or turf grass reacts against an incorrect pH, or the mower starts cutting badly, or having to work out where in the irrigation line a fault is that is causing overwatering.

Trentham Golf Club
http://www.trenthamgolf.com

Publish is right, greens keeping is not just mowing etc. it is a time consuming labour which you either love or hate, a lot of time is spent working with and against nature, course maintinance involves a myriad of factors to be able to present the kind of course that the golfing members want.
A thick skin is useful also ( drongo member factor ).
If your thinking about it why not approach the green committee for volunteer work to get a hands on, this would give you at least an insight as to whats involved.
cheers peter

I think quite a few clubsa advertise through the job websites. If you’re just looking for experience I know most clubs would welcome a keen volunteer looking to get a start..

There was an apprentice position as a greenskeeper i was looking at, but it has been filled, i’m dissapointed because it was so close to where i live. Does anybody know of anything similar in Victoria? I’d be willing to travel and enrol into any relevant uni or tafe courses.

Our apprentice has just qualified and left for a position at Ballarat.

There will be a vacancy for an apprentice at Trentham soon. About 100km outside Melbourne, might be a long way to travel but apply if you are interested.

Our apprentice has just qualified and left for a position at Ballarat.

There will be a vacancy for an apprentice at Trentham soon. About 100km outside Melbourne, might be a long way to travel but apply if you are interested.

Trentham Golf Club
http://www.trenthamgolf.com

I’m actually not that far from Trentham, would be able to post details as soon as their available?

I’m actually not that far from Trentham, would be able to post details as soon as their available?

We have a committee meeting tonight and the position will be discussed. I’ll let you know here tomorrow.

I’m actually not that far from Trentham, would be able to post details as soon as their available?

We have a committee meeting tonight and the position will be discussed. I’ll let you know here tomorrow.

Trentham Golf Club
http://www.trenthamgolf.com

Thanks alot publish.

The position is available. It was advertised in the local papers this week and there’s now a copy of the ad on the club’s website, address on the footer of my posts.

There is only the one greenskeeper and an apprentice working at Trentham. It’s also a very cold climate in Winter. So be prepared!

I play my golf at Woodend, you may know some of the members and staff there, i’ve played some of my rounds in ice & snow, so i should be prepared, thanks for the information, i’m going to put an application together now.

Any one on this site employed by a course? How did you get involved? Uni? Apprenticeship?

What kind of people do you think make good greenskeepers? Any tips for someone that would be interested?

Watch caddyshack and study Carl Spackler.

I play my golf at Woodend, you may know some of the members there

I know that Mick guy well, unfortunately. :-)

thanks for the information, i’m going to put an application together now.

Good luck.

Any one on this site employed by a course? How did you get involved? Uni? Apprenticeship?

What kind of people do you think make good greenskeepers? Any tips for someone that would be interested?

Watch caddyshack and study Carl Spackler.

Ha! one step ahead of you, had the day off and watched it 5 times.

I play my golf at Woodend, you may know some of the members there

I know that Mick guy well, unfortunately. :-)

thanks for the information, i’m going to put an application together now.

Good luck.

Trentham Golf Club
http://www.trenthamgolf.com

Mick?? hmmm, last count there was 5 at the club. Whichever one it is…yeah, real good guy.

Thanks, i’ll post if i’m successful.

Mick?? hmmm, last count there was 5 at the club.

The one with all the tatts.

What about a 62 year old ex Banker who loves golf and is looking for something different in the way of work.Would I be considered for the position?

You could always apply.