Golf Course Turf Management Program Curriculum, Rutgers University

Computer Technology
Use of golf course software, internet resources including industry specific web pages and applications. Hands-on workshops include on-line search strategies, MS Word, PowerPoint and beyond.

Effective Speaking
Instruction and practice in public speaking. By making presentations to your classmates, you will learn to better present ideas verbally to board members, city councils, media and others.

Golf Course Construction I
An introduction to golf course design principles and construction including contours, slopes, tee and sand bunker construction.

Golf Turf Math
Introduction to the multiple applications of mathematics on and around the golf course.

Golf Turf Perspectives
Topics include stress physiology of plants, pond management, mower technology and calibration.

Introduction to Soils
Physical properties of soils, including soil texture, structure, density, soil water and drainage, and soil surveys are explored.

Irrigation Principles I
Learn the principles of static/dynamic (working) water pressure and how to calculate them anywhere on the golf course, learn how to use friction loss charts, irrigation pipe characteristics and sizing, and sprinkler head theory/operation (block, VIH and spray), nozzle selection, & electrical wiring. Learn principles of water distribution uniformity (DU) for greens/tees/fairways and its importance on irrigation scheduling and turf water requirements.

Landscape Management
Management and maintenance of landscape plants, proper planting procedures and pruning techniques.

Landscape Plants I
Identification and landscape uses of shade and small trees, deciduous shrubs and groundcovers.

Managing Your Golf Course Employees I
Self-assessment of your learning and leadership styles, and an introduction to leadership dynamics and motivational strategies.

Practical Golf Course Surveying Strategies
Learn the tricks that all good superintendents know.

Principles of Integrated Pest Control
Review the alternative approaches to pest, disease and weed control using conventional methods, cultural practices and integrated pest management techniques.

Regional Concerns
Students meet to discuss problems, concerns and views faced by students around the country and the world in this highly applied unit.

Turfgrass Disease Identification
Diagnosing and management of turfgrass diseases including strategies and field applications.

Turf Disease Laboratory
Hands-on experience viewing turfgrass pathogens and diseased material in our new turfgrass education center.

Turfgrass Identification and Development
Proper identification of major turfgrass species and fundamentals of grass growth and development.

Turfgrass Maintenance
Mowing, watering, fertilizing, cultivating and controlling thatch on greens and fairways for optimal effect including minimum cost strategies.

Turfgrass Weed Identification and Weed Management
Review the basic classification and reproduction systems of weeds on your golf course along with identifying characteristics.

Second Year Curriculum

Agronomic Characteristics of Turfgrass Species and Varieties
Identification, characteristics and selection of grasses, seed production and certification, and grass breeding are reviewed.

Applications of Landscape Design
Principles of landscape design and planting.

Budgeting and Financial Management
Current strategies for projecting, monitoring and controlling costs to achieve fiscal goals on your golf course.

Case Studies in Turfgrass Management
Students work in teams to apply the knowledge they have gained to the solution of real case studies on turfgrass management.

Golf Course Construction II
Construction costs, developing contracts, and scheduling construction projects, including ponds, cart paths and greens.

Golf Course Maintenance Laboratory
Working in small groups, students calibrate a wide range of sprayers and spreaders; plant and prune trees; learn basic equipment maintenance; practice surveying; and perform basic irrigation troubleshooting and repairs. Students will also take a field trip(s) to a local golf facility and visit Golf House, home of the USGA.

Golf Turf Perspectives
Topics include golf course set up for a tournament, reel mower technology, calibration, mowing height adjustment, ornamental grasses, environmental concerns on a golf course, risk communication and research presentations by the Rutgers faculty among others.

Insect and Disease Laboratory
Hands-on identification of insect pests and disease symptoms/signs with emphasis on management and control strategies.

Insects and Diseases of Ornamental Plants
Review diagnostic methods and management for controlling insects and diseases affecting ornamental plants.

Irrigation Principles II
Students learn how to troubleshoot, repair, and maintain a system through a combination of lecture and hands-on exercises. Using the latest computer technologies, students evaluate the uniformity of coverage with data collected from their golf courses, develop scenarios for improved uniformity, and calculate the irrigation schedule and water saved.

Landscape Plants II
Identification and uses of conifers, broadleaf evergreen trees, shrubs and groundcovers.

Managing Your Golf Course Employees II
This section builds on the leadership principles and practices acquired in year one.

Professional Development Seminar
The final grooming lessons to achieve industry-wide credibility among your peers and customers alike.

Soil Fertility
Learn the value of soil tests, cation exchange capacity, base saturation, pH, soil biology and fertility, and explore their roles in maintaining healthy soil and plants.

Turfgrass Establishment
Innovative techniques and specifications for seeding, sprigging and sodding along with current applications and challenges.

Turfgrass Insects
Review diagnostic methods and management options for controlling turfgrass insect pests.

Turfgrass Maintenance II/Work Experience
Explore current management practices; and student presentations covering their summer work experiences.

Tournament Preparation Strategies
Preparing your golf course for the big image tournaments is an art and the secrets are shared here.

Turf Calibration Methods and Applications
Learn the secrets of accurate calibration techniques.