Golf Greenkeeping Apprenticeship

A golf greenkeeper is responsible for the maintenance, care and overall appearance of a golf course in line with employer’s requirements. It is their job along with colleagues to maintain a good quality playing surface and ensure the course offers a consistent challenge and an enjoyable experience for golfers.

There are four key turfgrass areas on a golf course – greens, tees, fairways and rough. Each of which requires a different type of maintenance. Using a range of equipment and machinery safely and competently will play a major part within an apprentices training programme. Golf Greenkeepers will also be involved in hazard, environmental and ecological operations which may include bunker maintenance, planting turf, trees, shrubs and developing wildlife habitats. The skills required to become a competent greenkeeper will be acquired whilst working as an apprentice on the golf course.

By the end of the programme, you will know when, how and why the range of maintenance operations are carried out.

A Golf Greenkeeper will be able to:

Maintain good standards of health and safety for self and others Prepare the golf course for play which will include removing early morning dew and debris from the greens, raking bunkers, moving tee markers, cutting new holes on greens Prepare and use equipment and machinery to maintain and renovate all turf surfaces within the golf course, including the use of tractors, ride-on machines and specialist equipment Apply turf treatments to help produce quality playing surfaces, including fertilisers and top dressing Use a variety of integrated methods to control weeds, fungal diseases, pests and turf disorders Maintain and renovate bunkers and other hazards such as water features Maintain drainage and irrigation systems Prepare ground to establish turf and plants when maintaining, renovating and constructing golf course features

An Apprentice Golf Greenkeeper will develop and learn to understand the following technical knowledge:

Identify their role in monitoring and maintaining health and safety within the workplace Identify a number of grasses, weeds, pests, diseases, turf disorders, plants and trees The primary aspects of soil and plant biology to include the process of germination: photosynthesis, respiration and transpiration The principles of mowing and machine maintenance and their operation The need and implications of rolling, verti-cutting, scarification and aeration The strategies for controlling weeds, pests, diseases and turf disorders How fertilisers, top dressing and chemicals affect playing surfaces How course maintenance practices affect the environment Be aware of the importance of the Rules of Golf and golf course etiquette Recognise the importance of environmental and ecological best practice The operation of irrigation, drainage systems and their maintenance

Training:
Golf Greenkeeper Apprenticeship Standard End point assessment Level 2 Golf Greenkeeper qualification You will attend regular training sessions with your Oldham College Tutor at your workplace.

Training Outcome:

This standard aligns with the following professional recognition:

The British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) Completion of the apprenticeship will enable qualified apprentices to apply for full membership Further progression may well be available in other areas within our sector, upon successful completion of the apprenticeship

Employer Description:
Huddersfield Golf Club is one of the oldest (1891) and finest championship golf courses in the North of England. It is the Home of the Yorkshire Union of Golf Clubs. Here at Huddersfield, we believe in all members and guests receiving a warm welcome, creating those memorable moments and making sure you receive a fond farewell. In the early part of the 2000’s all the greens were rebuilt to a USGA specification allowing golf to be played throughout the year. Most recently a £300 000 bunker renovation has been completed improving their consistency and strategy when playing the course. Huddersfield hosted the England Men's County finals in 2018 and Yorkshire Team Championships amongst other Ladies national competitions and looks to develop its reputation further. We have invested heavily in the quality and presentation of the 6500 yards course recognising it is a heathland / moorland course. Huddersfield is now embarking on a course improvement project to take it to the end of the decade to improve its playability throughout the year and to improve its sustainability and ecological credentials.

Working Hours :
6.00am to 2.30pm in summer and 7.00am to 3.30pm in winter. Days TBC

Skills:
Communication skills,Attention to detail,Organisation skills,Customer care skills,Problem solving skills,Logical,Team working,Creative,Initiative,Non judgemental,Patience,Physical fitness,Enthusiastic,Reliable and hard working,Polite and friendly,Self-motivated