Golf Course Operations, A.S.

(69 credit hours)

The Associate in Science degree in Golf Course Operations is uniquely designed to develop the total golf course operations professional. Graduates of the program are qualified to enter careers as assistant superintendents with excellent opportunities to advance to superintendents, golf course construction supervisors, or specialists in allied areas of turf management, including sod production and athletic field management.

This is a very competitive program. Students are accepted in chronological order after they have met all of the following requirements:

• have a high school diploma or GED certificate,
• submit application to FGC,
• take a placement exam as prescribed by State Board of Education Rule, if they have not previously completed English, reading or college level math,
• complete any required prep classes, and
• suggest work experience on a golf course in golf course maintenance and successfully complete the Turf Equipment Management program at Florida Gateway College; OR
• experience in golf course maintenance PLUS two years of full-time experience in golf course mechanics PLUS a minimum of 70 percent on a minimum skills exam on equipment and shop operations and basic golf course maintenance practices,
• submit the supplemental program application to the program director,
• submit letter(s) of recommendation from golf course superintendent(s) detailing length of maintenance experience and tasks performed, and

Field Training is an important component of this program. Once accepted into the Golf Course Operations program, a student is required to attend summer sessions of internships. The training is conducted at selected golf courses within a 500 mile radius of the College. Students earn course credits for the field training, and wages are paid by their employers. Students may be required to work in hot, humid conditions and experience demanding physical activity. They must provide their own transportation and live off-campus during the three-month summer training period. It is common for students to be required to drive vehicles and operate complex equipment and machinery.

All students are required to construct their class schedules with the assistance of the program advisor who must approve all course alternatives.

The following is a suggested sequence of required courses:

Golf Course Operations A.S. Total 69 Credit Hours

Optional Electives:

• GCO 1481 - Sports Turf Management 3 credits
• ORH 2935 - Irrigation Auditing 3 credits

Program Notes:

Students:

• must have all electives or alternatives approved by Golf/Landscape faculty or director,
• complete all courses designated as occupational (CO) in addition to the required general education requirements,
• must successfully complete all Golf/Landscape courses to be eligible for the field training,
• some online courses planned for Fall 2011