Essential Information
One of the main goals of a golf course management or turfgrass management master's degree program is to provide students with an understanding of emerging scientific advancements and technologies in the turfgrass arena. Students learn how to harness new and emerging technologies in order to provide better management to golf courses and similar sporting arenas.
A master's degree program related to golf course management also provides students with an opportunity to improve upon their management and business skills with advanced seminars and workshops in leadership and communication. Students must have a bachelor's degree and should have a solid understanding of the practical elements of golf courses along with a few years of professional experience in golf course management and maintenance.
Master's in Golf Course Management Coursework
Many of the courses in a master's degree program in golf course management are offered online to provide working professionals with greater flexibility. Courses offered might include:
- Agronomic principles for turfgrass management
- Ornamentals and turfgrass
- Irrigation and drainage principles
- Plant science, including arboriculture, and propagation
- Agricultural mathematics
Employment Outlook and Salary Info
Property and real estate managers make sure that residential properties or commercial properties, like golf courses, operate efficiently. Duties include overseeing the property's maintenance and managing the finances. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), property, real estate, and community association managers had a median salary of $58,760 in 2019 and are expected to have little to no job growth in 2019-2029.
Certification
Certification is not typically required for golf course managers but is made available by organizations, such as the Club Managers Association of America (CMAA). Individuals can join the association and take an examination to earn the credential of Certified Club Manager (CCM). The certification is meant to designate individuals as professionals in the industry and can help job seekers in the field.
A master's degree in golf course management teaches students the ins and outs of turfgrass and relevant technologies to prepare them for professional certification or careers in management.