A Long History in the Making

The Golf Course Turfgrass Management Professional Certificate Program, also known as the 2-Year Program, has a long tradition of excellence.

Chances are, any golf course superintendent you ask has heard about Penn State's two-year golf turf program--and could very well be an alum of the program. Since 1957, Penn State has offered a certificate in golf course turfgrass management for individuals interested in careers as golf course superintendents. Graduates can be found at top golf courses around the country and around the world.

"It's a career enhancement program that provides accelerated training for people who may have been in the golf course industry for a couple of years and want to move up, or for someone in a different industry who's ready for a change. Most of our students have taken college courses, and a lot of them have college degrees. They need the technical expertise to enable them to do a job, and that's what the two-year program is all about."

George Hamilton, PhD
Director, 1984-2004

Past Directors

Since 1957, only six people have held the title of Director of the Golf Course Turfgrass Management Program. Read about the impact of each on the program, the industry and most importantly the students. Read more...

Featured Alumni

Penn State has graduated over 1500 students from the 2-year turfgrass program. These students, along with those from the 4-year baccalaureate program and now world-campus, are now superintendents at some of the world's most prestigious and famed golf courses. Each year we will feature select superintendents. Read about our alumni...

Contact Us

Think you are interested in a career in turfgrass management? Want to find out how you can become part of the tradition and family that is Penn State Turf? Feel free to contact us for more information or to arrange an on-campus visit.

John E. Kaminski, Ph.D.
Director, Golf Course Turfgrass Management