We’re proud to introduce the inaugural cohort of the Greenskeeper Pathway Program—an agronomy initiative designed in partnership with The Union League (special thanks to Scott Bordner, Director of Agronomy) and the Super-Scratch Foundation. The program opens doors for students to explore careers in the golf industry, with a special focus on golf course management. Through hands-on placements at local golf clubs, participants put their new skills into practice while discovering the wide range of opportunities available in this field.
From the course to a career, the Greenskeeper Pathway Program is creating meaningful entry points for teens, ages 16 and older, into golf course maintenance. Students gain exposure to turf management, landscaping, equipment technology, and more—while developing valuable certifications and work experience.
This past summer, two students trained at RiverCrest Golf Club & Preserve in Phoenixville, PA, and one student trained at Union League Golf Club at Torresdale in Northeast Philadelphia. Guided by experienced superintendents, they built skills, earned certifications, and gained confidence through real-world practice.
At RiverCrest, Superintendent Tim Edwards hosted First Tee participants Tommy and Andrew. Both excelled in their training and were especially proud of mastering the art of mowing greens. As Tim shared, “We need to keep this program going, as programs like this are critical to the future of the golf agronomy industry.”
At Union League Torresdale, Superintendent Andrew Dooley mentored First Tee alum Daniel. His favorite part was learning from his Torresdale mentors—though he admitted that constant weeding was his least favorite task. Looking ahead, Daniel is eager to tackle ride-on mower operations next summer. Reflecting on the program, Andrew shared: “I think this program could be a tremendous staffing resource for many clubs during the summer months. More importantly, I hope some of these students will consider the turf industry as a long-term career.”
“We were fortunate to have Daniel! I am sure not every student is as reliable, focused, and consistent; however it’s worth giving everyone a chance if they say they can meet the expectation.”
With the support of dedicated mentors and partners like the Philadelphia Association of Golf Course Superintendents and the Super-Scratch Foundation, the Greenskeeper Pathway Program is giving teens the chance to take their first steps toward a rewarding future in the turf industry.