The Korea Turfgrass Research Institute (KTRI), operated by the Korea Golf Course Management Association, celebrated the graduation of its 28th Greenkeeper School class on February 11. The ceremony, held at the Korea Golf Hall, marked the entrance of 32 field-ready professionals into the domestic golf industry.

Intensive Training for Field Readiness

The graduates completed a rigorous one-year program that began in March of last year. To bridge the gap between theory and practice, the curriculum required a total of 1,266 training hours, broken down into:

• 306 hours of theoretical classroom instruction.
• 960 hours of intensive on-site training.

New trainees gained critical hands-on experience at premier locations, including Grand CC, Seolhaewon CC, Star CC, and North Farm CC.

Employment Success and Legacy

The program’s effectiveness was underscored by a 100% success rate for its new graduates. Of the 32 students:

• 21 experienced trainees returned to their original golf courses with enhanced skills.
• All 11 new trainees successfully secured employment at golf courses.

Since its establishment in 1989, the Greenkeeper School has grown from a modest first class of 12 students to a premier institution that has produced 538 industry professionals to date.

Industry Impact

Choi Dongho, President of the Korea Golf Course Management Association, emphasized the program's vital role in the evolution of the sport in Korea.

"Graduates are currently working as golf course managers and executives and staff members across the country, establishing themselves as key personnel in the domestic golf industry," Choi stated. "We will continue to focus our efforts on nurturing professionals for golf course management."