Penn State Goes to England

January 16, 2010 in 2-year

If you have been following the changes within the Golf Course Turfgrass Management Program (the 2-year program) at Penn State, you know that one of the new initiatives is to increase the number of international students within the program.  In an effort to accomplish this, Penn State will be recruiting at a few upcoming international conferences.  This week, I will be traveling to England to attend the BIGGA Turfgrass Management Exhibition (BTME).  This event is similar to the Golf Industry Show held annual in conjunction with the Golf Course Superintendent’s Association.

The British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) is the primary education organization for golf course managers throughout the UK, Ireland and Northern Europe.  Joining me on the trip will be Dr. Fidanza (Penn State Berks Campus) and Mr. Stanley Zontek (Director of the Mid-Atlantic Green Section of the USGA).  In addition to spending time in the booth, Dr. Fidanza will also be an invited speaker and present on the management of Fairy Ring on golf course turf.

About Our Program. Since 1957, Penn State has offered a certificate in golf course turfgrass management for individuals interested in careers as golf course superintendents. If you’re interested in a supervisory position in golf course turfgrass management, Penn State can help you on your way. The University’s Department of Crop and Soil Sciences offers a two-year certificate program in golf course turfgrass management. Students enrolled in this special Golf Course Turfgrass Management Program attend classes during two eight-week terms a year on the University Park Campus and also complete six months of on-the-job training at one of the top golf courses in the world.

Past students have represented the following countries, among others:

  • Canada
  • China
  • Denmark
  • England
  • Germany
  • Holland
  • Ireland
  • Scotland
  • South Africa
  • Spain

If you are interested in studying turfgrass management and working on a golf course in the United States, stop by booth B16 and introduce yourself!

John
Director, Penn State Golf Course Turfgrass Management Program