Hole in one work experience for Turf students

First years studying Sports Turf Management at Otago Polytechnic's Central Campus got some valuable hands-on experience this week, ahead of the prestigious New Zealand Open golf tournament.

It's only the second week of studies for learners studying Sports Turf Management at Otago Polytechnic's Central Campus.

But the group of seven have already been busy at Millbrook Resort, working on the two 18-hole championship courses while pro golfers and celebrities played their practice rounds.

Despite a damp day, the students were tasked with filling divots with seed and sand, and learning some tricks of the trade to help present the courses for the prestigious tournament.

John Prunnell, head of the Sports Turf Management course, says work experience opportunities don't come much better.

“The students get a full day inside the ropes, working alongside experienced greenkeepers at the biggest golf tournament on the national calendar.”

They also got the opportunity to chat with James O'Malley, Mllbrook Resort's dedicated Golf Course Superintendent.

James has worked at the resort for more than 20 years, and takes time out of the busy preparation period to meet with the students, who are studying towards the NZ Certificate in Horticulture Services (Sports Turf) (Level 4).

The Cromwell-based course is the only full-time, face to face turf management programme in the country.  It takes 18 months to complete, and includes a 6 month paid work placement at some of the New Zealand’s top sporting venues.

John says Otago Polytechnic's graduates are highly sought after in the industry.

Former graduates now working as superintendents or turf managers around the country include Jayden Tohill at Hagley Oval, and Steve Tsukigawa at the NZ Cricket High Performance Centre in Lincoln, Dylan Griffin at Tara Iti Golf Club (Mangawhai), and Matt McCombe at The Basin Reserve.

The New Zealand Open golf tournament is being played over 72 holes across two 18-hole courses at Millbrook Resort near Queenstown, and runs until March 2.