Skip to content
CIP 31.0302 Parks, Recreation and Fitness

Golf Course Operation and Grounds Management

IPEDS Completions, US Department of Education · 2025

Total graduates

157

2025 · 8 schools

International share

3.8%

6 international students

Bachelor's degrees

34

5.9% international

Master's degrees

6

16.7% international

Overview

Golf Course Operation and Grounds Management is a specialized field that focuses on the various aspects of managing golf courses and the associated facilities. This program is designed for individuals who are passionate about the sport of golf and are interested in the business and operational side of running a golf facility.

Students in this program learn about the essential components of golf course management, including agronomy, turf management, and environmental sustainability. They gain hands-on experience in maintaining the quality of the golf course, which includes understanding soil science, pest management, and irrigation practices to ensure that the course remains playable and visually appealing.

Additionally, the curriculum often covers topics such as business management, marketing, and customer service, which are critical for operating a successful golf course. Students may also explore the financial aspects of running a golf facility, including budgeting, revenue generation, and cost control.

Internships and practical experiences are typically integral to the program, allowing students to work at actual golf courses and gain real-world insights into the day-to-day operations. Graduates are well-prepared for various roles, including golf course superintendent, operations manager, and even roles in golf club management.

With the growing popularity of golf and the increasing emphasis on sustainable practices in land management, professionals in this field are in demand. This program not only equips students with the technical skills needed for the job but also fosters a deep appreciation for the sport and its associated culture.

Graduates by year

Graduates by degree level (first and second majors)

AssociateBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral

From 2010 to 2025, graduates grew 772% and the international share went from 0.0% to 3.8%.

International share (%)
Graduates by group, 2025
White
52.2%
Asian
1.3%
Hispanic
6.4%
Black
4.5%
Other
31.8%
Intl.
3.8%

Colleges that award this degree

In 2025, 8 schools awarded this degree as a first major. The table lists those in the 2027 U.S. News National or Liberal Arts rankings, plus the unranked schools with the most graduates.

RankSchoolStateGraduatesInternational
— Keiser University Florida 79 5
— Professional Golfers Career College California 46 1
— Southwest Wisconsin Technical College Wisconsin 8 0
— Anoka Technical College Minnesota 7 0
— Trine University Indiana 6 0
— University of Central Oklahoma Oklahoma 5 0
— SUNY College of Technology at Delhi New York 4 0
— Augusta Technical College Georgia 2 0

Purple: international students are 25% or more of the school's graduates.

Related jobs and pay

OccupationUS employmentMean hourly wageMean annual wage
Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers 952,640 $20.33 $42,290
First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers 130,760 $29.31 $60,960
Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling 37,980 $43.15 $89,750

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025.

Graduate counts: IPEDS Completions, US Department of Education, 2010–2025. Rankings: 2027 U.S. News.