Sports Turf
Become a… greenkeeper for a golf course, cricket ground, sports fields, race course, tennis courts, park or recreation ground and many more…!
Think Wembley, Wentworth or Wimbledon. Have you got what it takes to prepare and maintain the grounds for the big games? Our sports turf courses will give you the skills you need.
Courses combine both theoretical and practical elements on a part-time, day release basis for people working in the sports turf industry. You will have access to our 400-acre estate including an 18-hole, privately-owned championship golf-course and three purpose-built football pitches; science laboratories; computer suites; machinery workshops and a comprehensive learning resource centre. You will also benefit hugely from the College’s close links with key figures within the sports turf industry.
Why choose Merrist Wood College?
-
400-acre estate - including an 18-hole, privately-owned championship golf-course and three purpose-built football pitches
-
Specialist machinery in outdoor, laboratory and workshop settings
-
Expert knowledge provided by our team of dedicated teaching staff
-
Access to close links with the sports turf industry and employers
-
Field trips
Other related short courses:
FEPA 1, 2 & 6|
Tractor Driving and Related Operations|
Safe Use of Mowers|
Slug Pellet and Granular Pesticide Application Certificate PA4 |
Day to day
-
Maintenance of equipment and machines
-
Surveying and facilities design
-
Turf production and maintenance
-
Principles of plant and soil science
-
Diseases and pesticides
-
Drainage and irrigation
-
Health and safety
Average salary
Salaries usually start at between £15-£18,000 a year, rising to £22-23,000 for more skilled workers and between £24- £32,000 for a head groundsperson.
Moving on
We offer several short courses related to sports turf or you could move on to universities degrees in sports turf, horticulture or related areas.
Links
www.iog.org| - The Institute of Groundsmanship is the only membership organisation representing the whole of the grounds management industry, and all those involved in it.
www.bigga.co.uk| - The British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association aims to enhance the professional reputation and wellbeing of golf greenkeepers and provides subsidised education and training opportunities.
www.btlia.org.uk| - The British Turf and Landscape Irrigation Association is a voluntary, non-profit making organisation formed to promote the development, proper use and acceptance of turf and landscape irrigation equipment.
www.stri.co.uk| - Sports Turf Research Institute is the independent market leader in turfgrass research and agronomy. It is the UK's national centre for consultancy in sports and amenity turf and a recognised world centre for research.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk| - Brief histories and visitor information on over 300 historic buildings and gardens owned by the National Trust in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.