Turfgrass Management Program
Golf Course Management Program
Dr. Kevin Mathias
Program Advisor
Turfgrass Management, Golf Course
Management
The Turfgrass Management program trains students to work
in a dynamic industry in which professionals use their
skills to satisfy the public's demand for green lawns and
playable athletic fields. Turfgrasses--plants that provide
ground cover that can be mowed and walked upon--are used as
playing surfaces for many sporting events from golf to
baseball. In landscapes, lawn turf provides color, softness
and beauty. Turfgrasses also play an important role in
purifying and protecting the environment. With such classes
as soils and fertilizers, irrigation practices, turf
management, and pesticide use and safety, students learn to
integrate science and nature. Curriculum options in the
program include General Turf Management and Golf Course
Management.
Career Opportunities
Formal education and training will allow individuals to
manage many different types of turfgrass facilities, which
include golf courses, corporate office parks, professional
ball fields, municipal facilities, lawn care businesses and
sod fields. The turfgrass industry is a large and diverse
industry at both national and state levels. At the national
level, the turfgrass industry generates over $30 billion
while the cost for turfgrass maintenance in Maryland is
estimated at $1 billion. Many IAA graduates hold positions
as golf course superintendents. An increase in golf course
construction keeps qualified individuals in demand. Over
15,000 golf courses are operated in the United States and
over 170 are located in Maryland.
For further information about the Turf
Management Programs please contact Dr. J. Kevin
Mathias, at the Institute of Applied Agriculture,
University of Maryland, 2113 Jull Hall, College
Park, MD 20742, or by telephone at
301-405-4685.
Links To Programs at The
Institute of Applied
Agriculture
This web page is maintained by
the Institute of Applied Agriculture at the
University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742.
Comments and questions about this page can be
directed to
or (301) 405-4685.
