Golf Course Operations and Grounds Management: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Golf course operations and grounds management is a specialized field focused on the scientific, technical, and administrative aspects of maintaining and running professional golf facilities. This program equips students with the expertise needed to oversee daily operations, ensure environmental sustainability, and uphold high standards of course presentation and playability.
- Turf grass science and management: Explores the biology, cultivation, and maintenance of grass species used on putting greens, fairways, and roughs, emphasizing soil health, irrigation efficiency, and stress resistance.
- Golf course design and construction: Covers principles of course layout, topography integration, drainage planning, and sustainable construction techniques to create functional and aesthetically pleasing playing environments.
- Grounds equipment and operation: Provides training in the selection, maintenance, and safe operation of specialized machinery such as mowers, aerators, and irrigation systems used in course upkeep.
- Pest and disease control: Focuses on identifying and managing insects, weeds, and pathogens through integrated pest management (IPM) strategies that balance effectiveness with environmental stewardship.
- Grounds management systems: Integrates planning, budgeting, staff supervision, and resource allocation to ensure efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable course operations across all seasonal cycles.
Golf Course Operations and Grounds Management Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Golf Course Operations and Grounds Management Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Golf Course Operations and Grounds Management degrees, including Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling, First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers and Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 1,104,260 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling 11-9072 | $77,180 | $45,320 - $134,680 | 36,700 | $37.11 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers 37-1012 | $56,170 | $39,270 - $83,080 | 124,130 | $27.01 |
| Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers 37-3011 | $38,090 | $29,990 - $53,900 | 943,430 | $18.31 |
Golf Course Operations and Grounds Management Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $40,613 in West Virginia to $73,510 in District of Columbia—a 81% difference. The highest-paying states include District of Columbia, Minnesota, and Washington. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 1,104,260 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Golf Course Operations and Grounds Management by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 8 institutions offering Golf Course Operations and Grounds Management programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Golf Course Operations and Grounds Management is found at Keiser University, Ft Lauderdale (69 graduates), Professional Golfers Career College (PGCC) (56 graduates), Augusta Technical College (Augusta Tech) (20 graduates), Southwest Wisconsin Technical College (Southwest Tech) (5 graduates), and Truckee Meadows Community College (TMCC) (4 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 161 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Keiser University |
Associate's
Bachelor's
Master's
|
69 | Fort Lauderdale, Florida | Private | keiseruniversity.edu |
| Professional Golfers Career College (PGCC) |
Associate's
|
56 | Temecula, California | Private | golfcollege.edu |
| Augusta Technical College (Augusta Tech) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
20 | Augusta, Georgia | Public | augustatech.edu |
| Southwest Wisconsin Technical College (Southwest Tech) |
Associate's
|
5 | Fennimore, Wisconsin | Public | swtc.edu |
| Truckee Meadows Community College (TMCC) |
Associate's
|
4 | Reno, Nevada | Public | tmcc.edu |
| Trine University |
Bachelor's
|
3 | Angola, Indiana | Private | trine.edu |
| University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) |
Bachelor's
|
3 | Edmond, Oklahoma | Public | uco.edu |
| College of the Desert (COD) |
Other Award
|
1 | Palm Desert, California | Public | collegeofthedesert.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Golf Course Operations and Grounds Management programs
How much can I earn with a Golf Course Operations and Grounds Management degree?
Salaries for Golf Course Operations and Grounds Management graduates vary by role and location. Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling earn a median of $77,180 annually, while First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers earn around $56,170. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in District of Columbia average $73,510 compared to $40,613 in West Virginia. Approximately 1,104,260 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Golf Course Operations and Grounds Management programs?
Currently 8 accredited institutions offer Golf Course Operations and Grounds Management degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Keiser University, Ft Lauderdale (69 graduates), Professional Golfers Career College (PGCC) (56 graduates), and Augusta Technical College (Augusta Tech) (20 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Golf Course Operations and Grounds Management growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 27 in 2010 to 161 in 2023-24. This represents a 496% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Golf Course Operations and Grounds Management degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling, First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers, and Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers. Related occupations employ approximately 1,104,260 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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