Start your Career in Golf Turf Management
Victoria boasts over 370 golf courses across the state, with 38 courses notably listed in Australia's Top 100. Nationally, Australia has over 1,500 golf courses attracting golf enthusiasts from around the world, and making golf course management an ongoing thriving industry.
Greenkeepers are the golf world's behind-the-scenes heroes. They care for the turf, gardens, bunkers and landscapes that shape the playing experience and protect the environment.
Greenkeeping can open the door to a broad range of job roles and opportunities, from horticulturalist, turf technician to course and agronomy management. An apprenticeship in sports turf management can move your career forward in any direction you want – across sports fields and golf courses anywhere.
Greenkeepers are the golf world's behind-the-scenes heroes. They care for the turf, gardens, bunkers and landscapes that shape the playing experience and protect the environment.
Greenkeeping can open the door to a broad range of job roles and opportunities, from horticulturalist, turf technician to course and agronomy management. An apprenticeship in sports turf management can move your career forward in any direction you want – across sports fields and golf courses anywhere.
Outdoor Lifestyle: Work in nature, not behind a desk
Career Growth: Diverse pathways from apprentice to superintendent
Travel: Gain skills and experience through overseas tournaments and scholarships
Team Culture: Be part of a strong connected crew
Technology-Driven: Use precision equipment and smart irrigation systems
Sustainable Work: Help improve biodiversity and eco practices
Career Growth: Diverse pathways from apprentice to superintendent
Travel: Gain skills and experience through overseas tournaments and scholarships
Team Culture: Be part of a strong connected crew
Technology-Driven: Use precision equipment and smart irrigation systems
Sustainable Work: Help improve biodiversity and eco practices
Testimonials
“With a love of sports and being outside, I ended up choosing a turf career. Since starting out, I’ve fallen in love with everything about the role and industry. You definitely have a range of experiences and each day will be nothing alike. I love everything about the job, like learning to problem solve on the spot and that you get to be outside every day.”
- Heath, third year apprentice
"After high school, I completed an apprenticeship and have now finished my diploma studies. Early last year, I won a New Zealand scholarship. It was an unforgettable experience working at breathtaking golf courses, gaining knowledge that will excel my turf career and broaden my connections. Definitely worth applying for!"
- Kate, 2nd assistant superintendent / 3IC
“I recommend to anyone in this industry to come and do the Ohio program after their apprenticeship. Experience wise, it’s the best thing you’ll do if you want to make something of yourself in the industry.”
- Keegan, assistant superintendent / 2IC
- Heath, third year apprentice
"After high school, I completed an apprenticeship and have now finished my diploma studies. Early last year, I won a New Zealand scholarship. It was an unforgettable experience working at breathtaking golf courses, gaining knowledge that will excel my turf career and broaden my connections. Definitely worth applying for!"
- Kate, 2nd assistant superintendent / 3IC
“I recommend to anyone in this industry to come and do the Ohio program after their apprenticeship. Experience wise, it’s the best thing you’ll do if you want to make something of yourself in the industry.”
- Keegan, assistant superintendent / 2IC
Getting Started
- Ask your careers advisor about a school-based apprenticeship
- Talk to your local golf course superintendent
- Apply for a Certificate III in Sports Turf Management
Support Available
- On-the-job mentoring
- Training from TAFEs and RTOs
- Industry support via the VGCSA
TAFE ProvidersMelbourne Polytechnic
Holmesglen Institute The Gordon Wodonga Reach out to local TAFEs for course brochures and career info TAFE CoursesCertificate II in Sports Turf Management
Certificate III in Sports Turf Management Diploma of Sports Turf Management Apprentice Connect ProvidersSports Turf AssociationsVictorian Golf Course Superintendents Association (VGCSA)
Sports Turf Association Victoria STA Vic Australian Sports Turf Managers Association (ASTMA) Tips & ResourcesWatch the VGCSA video ‘This is my Career’
Search ‘Sports Turf Management’ at MySkills.gov.au Search #TurfCareers on Instagram Search ‘A day in the life of a greenkeeper’ on YouTube Instagram @thegolfinggreenkeeper The USA Ohio Intern Program VGCSA Golf Turf Apprentice annual award |