As labor shortages and new technologies continue to shape golf course businesses worldwide, many course managers are asking the same questions:
- What skills will the next generation of turf managers need?
- How can the industry attract young people into these roles?
In the latest Changing the Business of Golf podcast, host Gary Firkins speaks to Mike O’Keeffe, Program Manager of the Ohio International Intern Program (TOP) at The Ohio State University, an institution with which Syngenta has proudly partnered for more than 30 years to help develop the next generation of turf talent.
Mike brings decades of global experience in turf career development, working closely with young professionals and golf venues around the world. His insights offer a clear picture of how clubs can build stronger teams and develop the skills needed for the future of turf management.
Why Turf Skills Are Changing
The role of turf managers is evolving due to three major forces:
- Labour shortages across the golf industry
- Rapid advancements in turf technology, automation and data
- Shifting motivations from younger professionals
According to Mike, the industry must rethink how it attracts, trains and supports new turf talent. He outlines three essential changes that golf course businesses can make today.
1. Attract More Young People Into the Turf Industry
One of the biggest challenges facing golf is the shrinking pipeline of young professionals entering turf management.
Mike explains that many young people simply don’t know what modern turf careers involve. The industry needs to:
- Communicate the use of technology, robotics and sustainability
- Tell more compelling stories about the profession
- Expand outreach through schools and initiatives
Mike believes that it’s the experiences and training that motivates young professionals, and golf needs to do a better job of selling the profession to reshape perceptions and overcome the current labor crisis.
2. Invest in Education and Real-World Experience
Mike’s second change for the golf industry is to add value to turf teams by providing them with the experiences and opportunities to build their CV, and encourages clubs of all sizes to:
- Support internships or trainee programmes
- Send team members to volunteer at tournaments
- Offer mentorship and leadership opportunities
These experiences not only develop essential skills for young turf professionals, but also enhance a club’s reputation as a place where people can grow their careers. According to Mike, this investment is one of the most effective retention strategies a club can make.
“It’s about raising the bar. There’s going to be an element of risk involved, but if they see you doing this for them there’s also an element of loyalty involved.”
3. Embrace Next-Generation Turf Technology
The future of turf management will be heavily influenced by technological innovation.
For Mike, turf teams need to be embracing technology, not fighting it. Golf courses can improve efficiency, sustainability and playing conditions - all while developing the skills future leaders will need.
Younger professionals often bring natural tech fluency, and clubs that support this mindset will be better positioned for operational success.
Listen or Watch the Full Episode
If you're a course manager looking for recruitment solutions or how to provide your team the skills to succeed in the future, watch the full conversation with Mike O’Keeffe today:
Follow our guests:
Connect with Mike O’Keeffe on LinkedIn
Useful Links:
How to Build Inclusion & Retain Top Talent | Podcast
Changing the Business of Golf Podcast on YouTube
Ohio International Intern Program (TOP)
Connect with us:
Follow Syngenta Turf & Landscape on LinkedIn
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