UUCL

Golf Course Management Project

Elmwood Agricultural and Technical College was the first regional farm centre to be established in Scotland, officially opened in 1972. The Scottish Technical Education Consultative Council had made recommendations in 1967 around establishing regional farm centres. The college had started classes about twenty years earlier, with student numbers rising from 100 to around 2000 by 1972. There were full-time as well as part-time courses, work based courses, and modern apprenticeships. Before the purpose-built building opened in 1972, classes had been held on borrowed premises over a few years.

A 350-acre farm was attached to the college and it offered courses such as hill-farming and shepherding.

In 1997 Elmwood college became the first education establishment in Britain to have its own 18-hole, working golf course.

Course 1: Golf Course Management HND 

About the course

This course is designed to develop the competencies required by a Golf Course Manager and provide a sound knowledge of greenkeeping practice; including human resources, financial resource management and managerial skills relevant to the management of golf facilities. You will also gain specialist knowledge relevant to the biological management of a golf course: soil science, plant protection.

In this course candidates sound knowledge of Greenkeeping practice will be complemented by the knowledge, skill and understanding needed for the effective administration of human, physical, biological and financial resources in the golf course environment.

Course content

Key golf management skills are developed through the following units:

Integrated Management of the Golf Course Environment, Golf Course Irrigation Systems, Managing Turf Playing Performance, Human Resource Management: Introduction, History and Development of Golf (if not previously achieved) or IT in Business Spreadsheets, Developing Skills for Personal Effectiveness, Marketing: An Introduction, Plant Protection, Golf Course Management: Graded Unit 2, Integrated Pest Management for Sportsturf, Managing Structures and Non-turf Areas on a Golf Course, Project Management: An Introduction, Contemporary Golf Industry, Soil Science 2, Landscape Industry: Specification and Estimation, Understanding Golf Tourism.

The course is delivered over 34 weeks. Classroom based theory activities are combined with golf course visits, work experience at tournaments including the Dunhill Links Championship. There is also a day per week at Elmwood Campus Golf Course for students who wish to improve their practical skills on a wide range of modern equipment.

Course 2: Golf Course Management HNC

About the Course

Throughout the course you will develop the competencies, key management skills and knowledge to enable you to find employment in managerial positions within the sports turf sector. You will gain a sound knowledge of greenkeeping practice complemented by the skills and understanding needed for the effective administration of human, physical, biological and financial resources in the golf course environment.

The course combines classroom based activities with visits to a range of golf courses and sports turf events.  The course finishes in June to allow students to progress onto employment at the start of the key recruitment period within the sector.

The course is also available Distance Learning, aimed at Greenkeepers and Course Managers who are in full time employment who would like to continue their studies but are unable to commute to a college on a regular basis.

Distance Learning applicants should have 5 years or more Greenkeeping experience and possess either an SVQ Level 2/3 in Sports Turf or a National Certificate in Greenkeeping. Mature Greenkeepers, with more than 5 years experience with no formal qualifications, are welcome to apply and will be assessed on an individual basis.

For Distance Learning enquiries please contact Fiona Keith directly on 01334 658931 fiona.keith@sruc.ac.uk

Progression Opportunities: Upon successful completion of this course students may apply to join Year 2 of the HND Golf (Course) Management.

Entry Requirements

Scottish Highers/A Levels: CC/DE. Alternative entry qualifications, such as a related National Certificate are also accepted.

Course Content

Key golf management skills are developed through the following units; Turf Grass Ecology, Soil Science 1, Management of Turf Areas on Golf Courses, History and Development of Golf, Employment and Health and Safety Legislation, Golf Course Budgets, Supervision and Management, Selection and Management of Machinery, Sportsturf Drainage Systems, Design and Construction of Golf Course Features, Golf Course Management: Graded Unit 1.

The course is delivered over 34 weeks. Classroom based theory activities are combined with golf course visits, work experience at tournaments including the Dunhill Links Championship. There is also a day per week at Elmwood Campus Golf Course for students who wish to improve their practical skills on a wide range of modern equipment.

Course 3: Golf Course Management PDA

The Professional Development Award is designed for those who wish to take up managerial positions within the golf industry.

Subjects covered in the course include golf club operations, golf tourism, golf course and facility development and management of turf areas on golf courses, soil science and turf grass ecology.

Progression Opportunities: On successful completion students can apply to progress on the HNC Golf Course Management or HND Golf Management (Course).

Entry Requirements

Potential students should have successfully completed a recognised Greenkeeping or other related qualification, or have relevant industrial experience