The turfgrass program at Penn State has a proud tradition of serving the turf industry, and boasts an impressive list of "firsts."
Initiated in 1929 through the efforts of committed clientele, it was one of the first turfgrass programs in the nation. It was the first to employ a turfgrass extension specialist (1934), the first to graduate a Ph.D. turfgrass scientist (1950), the first to offer a two-year technical program specifically for golf course superintendents (since 1957), and the first to offer an undergraduate major in turfgrass science (since 1992). But being first is not all that counts; it is the quality of the program that really matters.
The Penn State Turfgrass Program has always kept the Land Grant mission in mind when developing its own vision. Based on these principles, the turfgrass program at Penn State strives to remain a world leader in the areas of education, research and outreach in the turf industry.
The turfgrass program at Penn State began in 1929 with a push from outside the institution. Find out how Joseph Valentine, superintendent at Merion Golf Club, and several fellow superintendents shaped the program that exists today.
The turfgrass program at Penn State has a proud tradition of serving the turfgrass industry, and boasts an impressive list of “firsts”.
