The USGA’s Greenkeeper Apprenticeship Program launched in 2023 with the goal of addressing the critical need to expand both the workforce of golf course maintenance professionals and the training needed to advance a more sustainable game.
Though just in its second year, the program has already had an impact on its participants as well as the industry, according to Pinehurst Resort & Country Club’s director of golf course maintenance Bob Farren and golf course maintenance manager Kevin Robinson.
Can you explain how the GAP Program started and how Pinehurst became involved?
Bob Farren: It’s been well documented that the lack of labor force for the golf course industry has been an increasing issue. We had been having conversations with Sandhills Community College and local high schools to figure out ways to make the job of working on a golf course into a career. When the USGA relocated its Green Section staff to Pinehurst, we learned that they, led by (senior director of Course Consulting Services) Jordan Booth, were on the same track of addressing the concern. So it was the perfect marriage of ideas to move forward together, and the USGA brought just as much passion along with its resources and reach. They’ve taken it from there and done a remarkable job.
I think people would be surprised that even a place like Pinehurst has difficulty maintaining staff.
Kevin Robinson: Definitely – retention of skilled labor has always been a difficulty here, even more so in the past several years. The GAP program is allowing these people on-the-job training both at Pinehurst and at courses in the surrounding area where they’re learning from experienced superintendents and their assistants. It’s opened up their eyes, and it’s not costing them any money to do it.
Certainly, the ability to earn a higher salary is part of this, but instilling a sense of career empowerment seems like a critical component of the program.
BF: Absolutely. Completing the program gives you a marketable brand. If you want to continue your career elsewhere, you now have the credentials as a professional golf course greenkeeper, which will help you earn a higher salary than if you were coming off the street with no experience.
What has the impact of the program been so far?
KR: It’s helping us fill positions like spray technicians, foremen, irrigation technicians – just more specialized spots on the crew. It opens the internship participants’ eyes that if they want to pursue this as a career, they know there’s an avenue they can take to progress their career.
BF: I think one of the things I’m most impressed with is the increased awareness in the golf industry in general, not just on the agronomy side but the awareness from other sectors, including clubs and golfers around the country. The people who are supporting this new $1 million investment over the next five years – including the Dedman Foundation, Carolinas Golf Association and Ewing Outdoor Supply – are contributing to that increased awareness. We’ve gotten people’s attention that there is a need, and this is how we’re going to address it.