Brian Hogan, a dependable, hardworking individual with over 20 years of experience returned to school last year as a student at the Institute of Applied Agriculture (IAA). So what tricks can an “old dog” learn?
For starters, something like hand watering creeping bentgrass greens may seem simple, but proved to be a huge benefactor in honing Hogan’s skills throughout the summer. Isolated dry-spots on fairways due to undulation and intense summer stress could be detrimental to the turfgrass. Proper irrigation management is key to successful golf course maintenance, as Hogan discovered during his summer internship at Hampshire Greens Golf Club located in Silver Spring, Maryland.
Like all IAA students, Hogan was required to work a minimum of 320 hours during his internship while journaling everyday accounts. In addition to hand watering, Hogan performed course set-up, applied various pesticides, fungicides and herbicides, repaired irrigation, and applied scores of other managerial techniques and practices designed specifically toward his goal of one day becoming a golf course superintendent.
When asked about his overall experience with his internship, Hogan reported “it’s been confidence building” and an “informed, decision making process” throughout. In fact, Hogan’s academic advisor, Dr. Kevin Mathias added that “Brian did exceptionally well with the many different maintenance practices he was directly responsible for.”
Hogan plans to complete the golf management program offered through the IAA and continue working for the Montgomery County Revenue Authority, which initially offered him a tuition reimbursement program for his schooling. MCRA manages nine golf courses including Hampshire Greens.
To help fund his two years of schooling at one of the nation’s top two-year turf management programs, Hogan won a National GCSAA and Shields Memorial scholarship. With his 20-plus years working within the golf community, his impeccable academic achievements and invaluable summer internship through the IAA, clearly Hogan has a winning hand for the future.
