Golf Greenkeeper Apprenticeship
Level 2
A Golf Greenkeeper is responsible for the maintenance, care, and overall appearance of a golf course.
There are four key turfgrass areas on a golf course – greens, tees, fairways, and areas of roughness, each of which requires a different type of maintenance.
Using a range of equipment and machinery safely and competently will play a significant part within an apprentices training programme. Golf Greenkeepers will also be involved in hazard, environmental, and ecological operations, including bunker maintenance, planting turf, trees, shrubs, and developing wildlife habitats. The skills required to become a competent greenkeeper will be acquired while working on the golf course.
At the start of the apprenticeship, the apprentice will be registered with the British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA). Successful apprentices will be eligible to join BIGGA as a full member and become an accredited greenkeeper at the end of the apprenticeship.
What apprentices will learn
- Preparing the golf course for play
- Preparing and using specialist equipment to maintain and renovate turf surfaces
- Applying turf treatments and controlling weeds, fungal diseases, pests, and turf disorders
- Maintaining and renovating bunkers
- Maintaining drainage and irrigation systems
- How to identify plants and trees
- Soil and plant biology
- Basic computer skills
Qualifications Awarded
- Apprenticeship Certificate
- Level 1 in maths and English (if applicable)
Delivery model
Online and in college weekly delivery. A mix of online and practical learning at our Plumpton College campus will include skills and knowledge assessment, qualification quarterly workplace competency, and efficiency observation and assessments.
End Point Assessment
- Multiple choice and structured answers paper
- Practical assessment
- Personal statement
Apprenticeship Graded
- Fail, Pass, Merit, Distinction
Course details
| Duration |
Typically 24 Months |
|---|
Entry Requirements
- English and maths assessment.
- Job role suitability assessment.
To enrol onto an apprenticeship programme you need to be employed with a contract of employment. If you have an employer lined up or are already employed please contact our Apprenticeship Team on 01273 892127 or via email.
If you do not currently have an employer, please visit our Apprenticeships page for guidance on finding and applying for an apprenticeship opportunity or registering for our Talent Bank service.
Plumpton College has industry expert tutors providing the most up to date learning and assessment who have over 50+ years’ experience of 'Head Greenkeeper' roles on different style of courses.
Plumpton also has access to guest industry speakers to provide variety of insights to enhance knowledge of learners.
Future Opportunities
This Standard is recognised by the British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA), the Professional Body for Greenkeepers. At the start of the Apprenticeship, the Apprentice will be registered with BIGGA.
Upon completing this Standard, the Apprentice will be eligible to join BIGGA as a full member and become a BIGGA Accredited Greenkeeper.
