HNC Golf Course Management - Distance Learning

Who is the course for?

The course is aimed at Greenkeepers and Course Managers who are in full time employment who would like to continue their studies but are unable to commute to a college on a regular basis.

This course starts in September every year. Please submit online applications by 14th June 2013 for our September 2013 start. Late applications may be considered, please indicate your preferred start date on your form.

What are the entry requirements

Applicants will normally have been employed in the golf course industry for 5 years and are likely to have completed a craft level greenkeeping course or have 2 Highers and 3 Standard Grade passes. Mature greenkeepers, with experience but no formal qualifications, are welcome and are assessed on an individual basis.

How is the course delivered?

The course is delivered over 3 winters. Learning materials are made available online. Tutor support is available 2 evenings per week by telephone and email.

How is the course awarded?

To complete the HNC Golf Course Management you are required to complete 12 Units.

Industry support for the course?

The course is designed with the full support of the Greenkeepers Training Committee (GTC) and the British and International Golf Greenkeepers Committee (BIGGA).

Course Content

Turfgrass Ecology
This unit develops both knowledge and understanding of sward management to ensure quality and minimise the adverse effects cultural and chemical management.

Soil Science
Develop an understanding of materials used in the construction
of golf course features and maintenance considerations when using soils and rootzones.

Managing Turf Areas on a Golf Course
This unit develops the knowledge to explain the qualities required of turf areas on the golf course and assess maintenance programmes to ensure quality playing surfaces are achieved.

Employment Health and Safety for Land Based Industries
Develops your understanding of the Health & Safety legislation that applies to the golf industry and how it will affect you as a manager.

Golf Course Budgets
This unit develops the competence in the organisation, preparation and presentation of financial information.

Supervision and Management
Develops the knowledge and skills to utilise the processes of management to improve organisational effectiveness.

Selection and Management of Machinery
Enables you to identify machinery requirements for the golf course and develop long-term replacement programmes.

Sportsturf Drainage Systems
The purpose of this unit is to develop the knowledge and understanding of water movement through the soil and the function, faults and techniques of sportsturf drainage.

Using Software Packages
An introduction to the use of computer software and
application packages and how they can be applied to the turf industry.

Design and Construction of Golf Course Features
Develops your knowledge to evaluate the principles of golf course design in relation to the playing and maintenance of the golf course and undertake modifications to the course layout.

Golf Course Management: Graded unit 1
The graded unit brings together all the learning activities of the HNC. The unit is assessed through the construction or development of a feature of your golf course or sportsturf site that you will manage from conception to completion.

For further details and information contact:

email: Fiona Keith or phone 00 44 +1334 658931