Golf Greenkeeper - Apprenticeship - Level 2

There are four key turf grass areas on a golf course greens, tees, fairways and areas of rough, each of which requires a different type of maintenance.

Using a range of equipment and machinery safely and competently will play a major part within an apprentices training programme. Golf Greenkeepers will also be involved in hazard, environmental and ecological operations which may include bunker maintenance, planting turf, trees, shrubs and developing wildlife habitats.

The skills required to become a competent greenkeeper will be acquired whilst working on the golf course.

By the end of the programme, you will know when, how and why the range of maintenance operations are carried out.

The career as a Golf Greenkeeper can take you wherever the game of golf is played. Working outdoors in a healthy environment and as new countries are embracing the sport and more golf courses are being built, there is no better time to consider joining this great profession.

Entry requirements will be determined by individual employers but typically potential apprentices will have a minimum of 5 GCSEs at Grades 9-3 (including Maths and English and Science) or other equivalent vocational qualifications. Employers, who recruit apprentices without the above levels of qualifications, will have to ensure they achieve level 1 in English and maths as part of their Apprenticeship.

What qualification will I achieve?

Level 2 Certificate in Golf Greenkeeping is included in the apprenticeship for learners who wish to work in the Golf Greenkeeping industry. It provides the key practical skills, knowledge and behaviours which will equip learners to progress into employment and/or further learning and training within the Golf Greenkeeping industry.

At the start of the apprenticeship the apprentice will be registered with BIGGA. Upon completion of this standard the apprentice will be eligible to join BIGGA as a full member and become a BIGGA Accredited Greenkeeper.

Functional Skills Maths and English at Level 1

In addition, you will study towards and take exams for Maths and English at Level 2 prior to End Point Assessment.

How is my course assessed?

Preparing the golf course for play which will include:

• Removing early morning dew and debris from the greens
• Raking bunkers
• Moving tee markers
• Cutting new holes on greens

Preparing and using equipment and machinery to maintain and renovate all turf surfaces within the golf course, including the use of:

• Tractors
• Ride-on machines
• Specialist equipment

Apply turf treatments to help produce quality playing surfaces, including fertilisers and top dressing

Using a variety of integrated methods to control:

• Weeds
• Fungal diseases
• Pests
• Turf disorders

Maintain and renovate bunkers and other hazards such as water features

Maintain drainage and irrigation systems

Preparing ground to establish turf and plants when maintaining, renovating and constructing golf course features