HNC Golf Course Management

You'll develop the competencies required to become a Golf Course Manager and gain a sound knowledge of greenkeeping practice.

Location: Elmwood
Study mode: Distance learning (2 years)
Subject area: Golf
Start date: September 2025
Agency code: 4V67

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Course overview

Throughout the course, you will develop the skills needed to become a Golf Course Manager and a sound knowledge of greenkeeping practice.

You'll also learn effective administration of human, physical, biological and financial resources in the golf course environment.

The course is available by distance learning, aimed at Greenkeepers and Course Managers who are in full-time employment and would like to continue their studies but are unable to commute to a college on a regular basis.

Note: Please note that students undertaking this course who are domiciled out with Scotland the qualification title is Advanced Certificate Golf Course Management. This is a requirement of the awarding body, SQA (Scottish Qualifications Authority). SRUC can assure you that the content and qualification level of the HNC and Advanced Certificate are exactly the same.

Virtual Experience

Take a look around the SRUC Virtual Experience for lots of great student videos and examples of what it’s like to study our courses, along with campus and facility tours.

SRUC holds open days regularly. Visit our listings page for details of our up-coming events.

Entry requirements

Two Highers at CC.

National Certificate in a relevant subject/SVQ Greenkeeping at SCQF Level 5 qualification or equivalent are also appropriate entry qualifications.

National 5 (A-C) or equivalent pass in English (for literacy) and in Maths (for numeracy).

What you'll learn

Key golf management skills are developed through the following units:

Turf Grass Ecology, Soil Science 1
Management of Turf Areas on Golf Courses
History and Development of Golf
Employment and Health and Safety Legislation
Golf Course Budgets, Supervision and Management
Selection and Management of Machinery
Sportsturf Drainage Systems
Design and Construction of Golf Course Features
Golf Course Management: Graded Unit 1

Student experience

After over 10 years in various managerial roles in the hospitality industry, Mattias Kolborg decided it was time for a change.

“I am enjoying the entire course, it’s so interesting. I’m particularly enjoying the soil science, design and construction. The skills I have developed in my previous management roles have been transferable into this course and I am appreciative of the college for allowing me the flexibility to build up my practical skills while completing the course”.

Mattias hopes to continue on to the HND Golf Course Management by distance learning through Elmwood campus.

“I want to continue with my education while developing my career. I’d like to travel more, and in this industry you can work all over the world”

Mattias Kolborg

Meet the lecturer

Andrew O’Hara

Based at our Elmwood campus, Andrew has over forty years' experience in greenkeeping, working his way up from Apprentice Greenkeeper to Head Greenkeeper and Course Manager.

Andrew has a vast wealth of knowledge to share with the greenkeepers of the future. As well as Greenkeeping and lecturing, he has also been the chairman of the Central section and Scottish region of the British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA).

Andrew really enjoys teaching his students and seeing them succeed in gaining their qualifications.

View Andrew's Pure profile

Fees and funding

Eligible full-time students studying HNC Golf Course Management should apply to SAAS for fees and funding. A student loan is also available to help students with living costs.

If you do not apply, you will have to pay your fees yourself and if you have studied at HNC/D/degree level before SAAS may not pay your fees.

More information about funding your course

Find out more about your payment options for this course in our fees and funding section

Fees & funding

Other possible routes to funding

Care experienced bursary: There are a number of bursaries available to care-experienced students studying full time. Find out more from our student funding teams at: registryfunding@SRUC.ac.uk
Discretionary fund
- SAAS student bursary
- Care Experienced Accommodation Grant
- Childcare
- Going further bursary
- RUK bursary (for students from outside Scotland)
- The Gregor Thomas Royan Lamb Bursary for Future Farmers
- Centenary bursary
- Change your path bursary

HNC Golf Course Management

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