INDUSTRY EDUCATION career looks like, I plan to study a lot more for next year and want to succeed.”
According to one of the teachers,“ Even though two of my four students had worked at golf courses prior to this contest, there were still some learning struggles along the way. After hearing how the contest was run and the expectations during the knowledge exam and contest, it will change how we prepare for this contest if we are able to go in 2026.”
Said another teacher,“ I think getting teachers and turfgrass professionals in touch for teacher learning and preparation is essential— especially in states where there has not historically been a turfgrass competition or there is limited access to turf. As an advisor, it can be difficult to prepare students for something that we ourselves have little experience with.”
Yet another teacher commented:“ All of the hands-on skills were great; being able to use industry people and be in an actual industry setting was incredible. Having the opportunity to go to the trade show and make the connections that they did was something that they really enjoyed and I feel will put them ahead in this career field. As an advisor, I was very happy with everything that my students did.”
The National Turfgrass Science Invitational is endorsed by FFA and open to FFA members. Teams are not currently required to qualify at the local or state level to participate in this invitational. The National Turfgrass Science Invitational will alternate between the conferences of GCSAA and the Sports Field Management Association( SFMA). The 2026 event will be held at the SFMA Conference and Exhibition in Fort Worth, Texas. For more information— including important dates, resources, and the invitational schedule— visit https: / www. sportsfieldmanagement. org / 2026-nationalturfgrass-science-invitational /
Carson Letot, Ph. D., is event superintendent, turfgrass science, National Turfgrass Science Invitational.
All photos courtesy of @ GCSAA on X
References- Bigelow, C. A. 2016a. Current status of turfgrass science undergraduate programs. https: / scisoc. confex. com / crops / 2016am / webprogram / Paper103643. html. CSSA Symposium – Future of Turf Undergraduate Programs: Admission, Enrollment and Retention. Session 263-1. April 19, 2018- Branham, B.( 2023, March 29). The state of turfgrass research and education. GCM. Retrieved February 20, 2025, from https: / gcmonline. com / course / environment / news / the-state-of-turfgrass-research-andeducation- Hartstock, A.( 2019) Labor pains in golf course management. Golf Course Magazine, 19( 3), 52 – 59. https: / www. gcmonline. com / course / environment / news / golf-course-labor- Letot, C., Merrick, B., & Cho, J.( 2024). Time for a renovation? A case study on the recruitment and retention of women into the turfgrass industry. International Turfgrass Society Research Journal. https: / doi. org / 10.1002 / its2.146- Richman, H. 2014. Defending their turf. Golf Course Management 82( 11): 42-56- Woelfel, R.( 2019). Recruiting class. Golf Course Industry. https: / www. golfcourseindustry. com / article / golf-industry-recruiting-school / sportsfieldmanagementonline. com August 2025 | SportsField Management
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