Gain Certificate in Horticulture (Turf) Online

DISTANCE EDUCATION - TURF COURSE - HOME STUDY

START YOUR TURF CAREER NOW

A 700 hour course designed principally for turf workers at golf courses, bowling greens, sports fields, councils and more. This course is similar to other VHT002 horticulture certificates in its introductory (core) units, but devotes 50% of the course to topics specifically related to turf culture, species and management.

• A first step towards a career in Turf
• Suitable for people who havn't worked in turf before
• Also suited to people with some experience, but no formal training in this industry
• Access to highly regarded Horticulture and Turf experts in both Ireland and the UK, to tutor you and provide mentoring as you work through the course, building both an understanding of turf management and networking within the industry.

Turf Professionals work in all sorts of places, including:

• Golf Courses, Bowling Clubs, Horse Racing Tracks
• Sporting Complexes and Playing Fields: Football Grounds, Cricket Grounds, Athletics, etc
• Schools, Colleges, universities
• Turf Suppliers: seed companies, machinery suppliers, instant turf or sod suppliers
• Small Businesses -Mowing contractors, pest control contractors, turf renovators, landscapers, nurseries
• Government Parks Departments
• Turf Research
• Turf Education and Media   .... and more

Recognised by the International Approval and Recognition Council

"Over almost 20 years, I've seen lots of people come through our Turf courses and move on to wonderful careers in everything from golf courses to parks management and profitable small businesses"    John Mason  DipHortSc, FPLA, FIOH, 

How the Course is Structured

The Certificate in Horticulture (Turf) is a vocationally oriented and accredited course comprising both studies in both general horticulture and in turf care and management.

The course is divided into two parts, and involves completing all assignments and passing an exam in each of six modules listed below.  Exam fees apply.

Modules

Core Modules	These modules provide foundation knowledge for the Certificate In Horticulture (Turf).
	Engineering I - Machinery & Equipment BSC105
	Horticulture I BHT101
	Turf Care BHT104
	Irrigation (Gardens) BHT210
	Sports Turf Management BHT202
	Turf Repair And Renovation BHT303

Note that each module in the Certificate In Horticulture (Turf) is a short course in its own right, and may be studied separately.

Aims

• provide skills and knowledge essential to the industry sector chosen (ie the selected stream)
• understand the growth of turf species and the principles and practices used in establishment and maintenance of turf species in a range of situations
• develop the ability to identify, describe and control a range of common turf pests, diseases and weeds
• understand and operate machinery and equipment used in turf culture
• develop basic landscape design and construction skills as needed by a greenkeeper

Module Outlines

Horticulture I

1.Plant Identification
2.Planting
3.Introduction to Soils
4.Introduction to Nutrition
5.Introduction to Water Management
6.Pruning
7.Weeds
8.Foundations of Pests and Diseases
9.Landscaping
10.Plant Propagation
11.Introduction to Lawns
12.Arboriculture

Turf Care

1.Introduction - Turf Varieties
2.Turf Grass Physiology
3.Turf Establishment
4.Soils
5.Turf Weed Problems
6.Turf Pests and Diseases
7.Turf Maintenance Techniques
8.Irrigation - An Overview
9.Playing Fields & Bowling Greens
10.Managing Established Turf
11.Establishing Ornamental Turf

Machinery and Equipment

1.Engine Operation
2.Hydraulics
3.Machinery Components
4.Hand Tools
5.Power Tools
6.Tractors
7.Equipment Maintenance
8.Specific Workplace Requirements

Sports Turf Management

1.Turf Variety Selection
2.Mowing - selection, use and maintenance of equipment.
3.Cultivation Techniques -spiking, coring, thatch removal and other techniques.
4.Preparing for Play on Sports grounds - rolling, marking, etc.
5.Preparing for Play of Greens - rolling, marking, etc.
6.Turf Protection & Preservation
7.Irrigation & Drainage
8.Soil Treatment & Sprays - pesticides, fertilisers, etc.
9.Evaluate Maintenance Facilities
10.Develop a Management Plan.

Turf Repair and Renovation

1.Understanding Turf Deterioration - physiological and biological responses.
2.Repair & Renovation Equipment - use and repair of applicable equipment.
3.Turf Cultivation Techniques
4.Health Improvement Techniques -pest control, feeding, watering, etc.
5.Optimising Turf Usage
6.Replacing Damaged Turf - techniques for replacement.
7.Renovation of Degraded Turf - techniques to repair and renovated turf.
8.Eradicating Turf Weeds
9.Treating Aeration and Drainage Problems - compaction, etc.
10.Managing a Turf Nursery.

Irrigation

1.Introduction to Irrigation
2.Soil Characteristics & Problems
3.Estimating Plant Needs & Irrigation Scheduling
4.Drainage
5.Types of Irrigation Systems
6.Trickle Systems
7.Design Specifications
8.Pumps & Filters
9.Selecting the Right System for a Plant
10.Design & Operation of Systems.

OPPORTUNITIES IN TURF

Turf tradesmen and professionals are employed by:

• golf courses,
• bowling clubs,
• race courses,
• sports grounds,
• municipal parks and gardens,
• commercial and private gardens.

Career Pathways

• Knowlege and experience are just as important as a qualification
• Don't make the mistake of assuming an apprenticeship will guarantee long term career success
• Some start out volunteering, helping the groundsman at a sporting club.
• Others start with a course like this or even a more general horticultural course
• If you can identify plants, understand horticultural science and have some experience caring for grass; you will be able to compete for job opportunities when they arise. The trick is to be in the right place at the right time, so you get noticed; and that involves persistence and networking.
• People who learn and have solid knowledge and skills, are the people who advance through the ranks, getting promoted to eventually become a Turf Manager.

We provide advice and support to all of our students; and are happy to talk to you about planning a pathway that gives you the best chance of reaching the career goals you have set yourself.

WHYCHOOSE US?

• Support:  communicate directly with staff . Answering you is our top priority
• Different:  if your training is different, you stand out
• Resources:  unique collection of people and intellectual property.
• Flexibility:  more options for how, where, when and what you study
• Learning is top priority: what you learn changes you for life. Everything else is secondary
• Better value:   Compare our cost per study hour.
• Reliability:  Established since 1979, and being independent means we have avoided the stresses suffered by many other institutions

Discover the Benefits of Learning Turf Management

If you’re interested in a rewarding career caring for green spaces that are enjoyed by people on a daily basis, then the Certificate in Horticulture (Turf) may be the right course for you. From sports fields to golf courses, or lush public gardens, a turf management course opens the door to a career focused on maintaining beautiful, resilient turf that stands up to wear, climate, and various environments. This course provides a mix of foundational horticultural knowledge and specialised turf care techniques that are crucial for success in the industry.

Whether you’re new to horticulture or a greenkeeper with some experience, this course offers practical, real-world skills essential for anyone looking to make an impact in turf management. The benefits of this course go far beyond just learning how to cut grass or maintain a lawn—it’s about understanding the science behind soil health, irrigation systems, pest control, and even environmental sustainability.

Career Opportunities with a Turf Management Certificate

Graduates can pursue roles such as golf course superintendent, groundskeeper or greenkeeper jobs for sports fields, or turf specialist in local government parks and gardens. Turf management expertise is highly sought after in sports clubs, where maintaining professional fields for football, cricket, and other sports is crucial. Additionally, opportunities exist in private estates, landscape businesses, and turf production companies that supply sod and grass seed.

For those interested in research, turf management skills also lend themselves to positions in agricultural research or turf consultancy, advising on soil health, pest control, and sustainable practices. With experience, some turf professionals even start their own businesses, offering specialised turf care and landscaping services. This qualification provides diverse and rewarding career options for anyone passionate about enhancing green spaces.

Why Take a Turf Management Course?

Taking a sports turf management course provides you with a unique opportunity to learn from industry experts and understand the principles behind successful turf care. You’ll build skills that can be used in various professional settings, including sports grounds, public parks, and golf courses.

Here are some reasons why investing time in a turf management course can pay off:

• Specialised Knowledge: You’ll learn about different turf varieties, how they grow, and the best conditions for their maintenance.

• Real-World Applications: The course includes assignments and assessments designed to replicate real-life situations, preparing you for professional scenarios.

• Career Advancement: Skills in turf management are in demand across industries, opening doors to roles in municipal parks, sports clubs, or as a consultant or private contractor.

• Expert Support: You’ll gain access to professionals with years of experience in turf care, who can provide advice and answer questions as you progress through the course.

A career in turf management offers the opportunity to combine scientific knowledge with hands-on work, resulting in outdoor spaces that enhance communities, create safer sports environments, and bring natural beauty to a range of settings.

Online Learning: Flexibility and Convenience

One of the most significant benefits of this turf management course is its online format, allowing you to study at your own pace from anywhere. If you’re balancing multiple commitments, an online sports turf management course can be the perfect way to learn new skills without the need for a rigid class schedule. Each module is designed for independent study, with online quizzes and assessments that provide immediate feedback.

This flexibility means that you can complete assignments and tests on your schedule, focusing on practical, hands-on skills and adapting your learning to suit your needs.

Transform your Lifestyle

Completing a turf management course doesn’t just prepare you for a job—it can transform your lifestyle. Working in sports turf management is ideal for people who love being outdoors, appreciate nature, and find satisfaction in seeing immediate results from their work. It’s a career that allows you to make a tangible impact on your community by providing safe, attractive green spaces that people can enjoy.

Many people find that being a greenkeeper or working with turf has mental health benefits as well. Spending time outside, in tune with the seasons and nature, offers a refreshing alternative to an office environment. The visible progress from maintaining or improving turf areas provides a tangible sense of accomplishment that’s hard to find in many other careers.

Each day presents unique challenges, from seasonal weather changes to soil conditions, and provides the opportunity to apply your skills in innovative ways. This dynamic nature of a career in turf management makes it both personally fulfilling and professionally rewarding.

What You’ll Gain from This Course

By the end of this sports turf management course, you’ll have mastered essential turf care skills, including:

• Turf Identification and Selection: Learn which turf varieties are best suited for different climates, soil types, and usage levels.

• Effective Maintenance Techniques: From mowing and aeration to fertilisation and pest control, you’ll learn the ins and outs of keeping turf healthy and resilient.

• Irrigation and Drainage Mastery: Proper water management is key to turf health, and this course covers advanced irrigation and drainage strategies to maintain optimal moisture levels.

• Renovation and Repair Skills: Turf often experiences wear and tear, and this course teaches techniques to revitalise damaged areas, making them lush and functional once more.

• Project and Budget Management: Developing a comprehensive understanding of budgeting and planning for turf projects prepares you for management roles in the industry.

Networking and Opportunities for Advancement

Through this course, you’ll have the chance to connect with tutors and other students, building a network of professionals who share your interest in turf care. Your instructors are highly experienced in the industry, offering advice, insights, and connections that can help you start or advance your career.

Graduates can go on to find roles in private estates, sports grounds, schools, or local councils, and even start their own business. This sports turf management online course equips you with the knowledge and practical skills that are valued by employers, making you a strong candidate for a variety of roles in the turf care and greenkeeper fields.

Take the First Step Toward a Fulfilling Career

Whether you’re looking to start a new career or deepen your horticultural knowledge, this turf management course offers comprehensive training for those passionate about working with natural landscapes. With its mix of scientific knowledge, practical application, and flexible online study, the Certificate in Horticulture (Turf) is an ideal pathway into the rewarding field of turf management.

By enrolling in this course, you’ll develop the skills and confidence needed to manage turf in a wide range of settings, building a career that combines your love for the outdoors with valuable expertise in horticulture.