The demand for technically trained people who can plan, utilize, and care for plant materials used in residential, commercial, and recreational areas is increasing dramatically. Professional organizations estimate that the need for this type of trained technician will increase by 10 to 15 percent each year for the next 10 years. This demand is also reflected in the 98% job-placement rate for graduates of Delhi’s Golf and Plant Sciences programs.

The College offers distinct programs in the golf and plant sciences field which give students the opportunity to specialize. Programs include Horticulture, Landscape Design and Management, Turf Management, and Golf Course Operations.

Career possibilities for those choosing Horticulture include nursery manager, greenhouse manager, horticultural inspector, and garden center manager.

Landscape Design and Management graduates find opportunities in landscape design, landscape contracting, landscape production and sales, landscape equipment sales, or transfer to a B.L.A. program in Landscape Architecture.

Turf Management prepares students for careers as athletic facility managers, turf equipment salespersons, or for transfer to a bachelor-degree program in Turf Management.

The Golf Course Operations program prepares students specifically for career opportunities as golf course superintendents and in related golf course support services.

The Instructional Program

Students study one of four program areas: Horticulture, Landscape Design and Management, Turf Management, or Golf Course Operations. Credit is not lost if a student changes areas after the second semester since each program shares common core courses in the first year. Each area leads to the Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree.

The Horticulture program gives students a broad overview of the horticulture field. Practical experience is gained in growing and nurturing greenhouse crops. This program also gives students the flexibility to transfer upon graduation to a four-year-college program in Horticulture.

Students in the Landscape Design and Management program gain practical experience in the design and installation of residential and commercial landscapes. The program also gives students the bases for transfer to a four-year college offering a bachelor degree in Landscape Architecture.

Turf Management emphasizes the care and maintenance of fine-turf areas. Students are taught the theory and practice of proper turf management, and are given extensive hands-on experience in the laboratory, at the College’s 18-hole golf course, and on the extensive campus athletic fields.

The Golf Course Operations program emphasizes the management of golf course facilities. Students are required to have knowledge of the game of golf and also to intern during the summer between the first and second years at a program-approved golf course. Students also gain extensive experience on the College’s 18-hole golf course.

All four programs afford students opportunities for extensive hands-on experience. Students are also required, with the assistance of their faculty advisor, to enroll as summer interns at various golf courses, athletic field facilities, arboretums, garden centers, and landscape contracting firms.

During the fourth semester, students can take the exam for the State Pesticide Applicator’s License. This is often a required credential in the job market.

Several industry-supported scholarships are available to assist second-year students in continuing their education at Delhi.

The SUNY Delhi Golf Course is an outstanding recreational and educational facility offering students an opportunity to learn firsthand proper maintenance and turf-management techniques. Delhi has developed a network with over 800 golf courses throughout the Northeast, Southeast, and Mid-Atlantic region to assist Golf Course Operations students with their internships. Internship opportunities vary each year, and a faculty recommendation is required.

Knowledge of the game of golf is a graduation requirement of the Golf Course Operations program. Students can satisfy this requirement by taking PEDH 135 Fundamentals of Golf while enrolled in the program; by demonstrating previous experience, such as participation on a high school golf team; or by qualifying for the SUNY Delhi golf team.

The Golf Course Operations program is designed for seamless transfer into Delhi's Golf Course Management B.B.A. program.

Curriculum

SUNY Curriculum Code:  1063

First Semester

Second Semester

Summer Session:  TURF 182 Golf Course Operations Internship 1 cr. hr.

Third Semester

Fourth Semester

Degree Requirement: 68 credit hours

Admissions Requirements

High school graduate with a minimum 75% overall average or a minimum 2500 GED test score, and 70% or higher on the Math A and biology Regents exams.

Program Objectives

A graduate of the Golf Course Operations A.A.S. program should be able to:

1. Demonstrate basic knowledge of botany. 
2. Understand and apply the basic principles and terminology used in the care, pruning, growth, propagation, growing media, soil amendments, and fertilization of plants. 
3. Demonstrate proficiency in the proper identification, terminology, and use of trees, shrubs, and groundcovers used in various Northeast landscapes. 
4. Exhibit a working knowledge of basic surveying techniques, the proper use of transits and levels, and the necessary drafting and drawing skills to communicate the data collected. 
5. Demonstrate knowledge of the diagnosis, repair, and operation of equipment used on golf courses.
6. Demonstrate a thorough understanding of soil: its genesis, composition, classification, physical and chemical characteristics, and how to test, correct, and implement proper soil management practices on golf courses. 
7. Demonstrate knowledge of the construction principles and materials used for decks, fences, patios, walks, and retaining walls. 
8. Display a thorough practical understanding of the daily operations on a golf course.
9. Properly identify, select, establish, and maintain major turf grasses used on golf courses.
10. Properly identify and manage turf pests found on golf courses.
11. Identify and control major weeds found on golf courses and in the surrounding landscape.
12. Understand basic concepts in plant pathology and entomology as they relate to turf grass and ornamental plants.
13. Describe, demonstrate, and apply the basic theories of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices used on golf courses.
14. Properly identify, select, calibrate, and safely apply pesticides used on golf courses. 
15. Design, select, install, and maintain irrigation systems on golf courses.
16. Demonstrate a thorough working knowledge of golf course design, construction, budgeting, mathematics, and management.
17. Properly select and maintain trees on golf courses.
18. Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of personnel management, planning, and presentation techniques used on golf courses.
19. Recognize and respond to emergencies by making appropriate decisions regarding first-aid care.