Myrtle Beach, January 8, 2026
News Summary
Horry-Georgetown Technical College’s Golf & Sports Turf Management Program has seen significant growth, driven by increased demand for skilled professionals in the industry. This two-year program provides practical education on golf courses and sports surfaces, resulting in a 100% job placement rate for graduates. As sports tourism continues to rise, graduates are now pursuing career opportunities nationwide, managing turf for major professional sports teams and participating in prestigious events. Recent renovations within the industry further highlight the program’s relevance and the essential role of turf management today.
The Exciting Growth of Horry-Georgetown Technical College’s Golf & Sports Turf Management Program
In the vibrant city of Myrtle Beach, the Horry-Georgetown Technical College (HGTC) has been nurturing aspiring turf management professionals for decades. This well-established Golf & Sports Turf Management Program has not only stood the test of time since its inception in the late 1970s but is currently thriving due to a surge in demand for skilled professionals in the industry.
A Practical Education for a Growing Industry
The two-year program at HGTC trains students on the intricacies of creating and maintaining golf courses and various sports surfaces like baseball fields. Students dive into a comprehensive curriculum that covers everything from basic grass cutting to complex turf management strategies. As the sports turf industry has experienced remarkable growth since the onset of COVID-19, a new wave of interest and career opportunities has emerged, making it an exciting time to get involved.
Graduates of the program enjoy a broad array of job prospects. Opportunities abound not just within the picturesque surroundings of Myrtle Beach but also across the Carolinas and nationwide. The program’s strong reputation, particularly in the realm of golf, has solidified its position within the thriving tourism industry of Myrtle Beach.
Wider Horizons and Career Aspirations
Over the years, the scope of the program has broadened significantly to encompass management practices for various sports fields. The increasing popularity of sports tourism in the Grand Strand area has driven demand for trained professionals. Graduates are even setting their sights on impressive achievements, aspiring for accolades like World Series or Super Bowl rings as they enter the workforce.
HGTC alumni have carved out a global presence in the field, being among the first to gain certification from the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America in countries including Spain and Japan. This illustrates the program’s commitment to preparing students for specialized careers across all levels of athletics, with an enviable 100% job placement rate for its graduates.
Hands-On Learning Experiences
Currently, there are 72 students enrolled in the Turf Management degree program. The curriculum skillfully blends classroom education with practical fieldwork, allowing students to gain invaluable hands-on experience. They explore a rigorous range of coursework that includes vital topics such as pesticides, soil management, and budgeting.
Recent renovation developments in the industry, particularly highlighted by the $9.5 million restoration of the Wild Dunes Harbor Course, underscore the pressing need for skilled turf managers in the field.
Facing Unique Challenges in Turf Management
Students are becoming adept at tackling challenging environmental issues—such as salt tolerance, heat, and pest management—to maintain top-quality turf. The continuous expansion of sports and recreational tourism ensures that the relevance of turf management studies remains strong.
The excitement mounts with the upcoming Myrtle Beach Classic, a major PGA tour event hosted at the Dunes Golf and Beach Club, emphasizing the significant local importance of the turf industry.
Future Leaders in Turf Management
HGTC alumni have made a remarkable impact, managing turf for professional sports teams, including major league baseball franchises like the Seattle Mariners and Chicago Cubs. Instructors within the program stress the critical balance of theoretical knowledge and practical experience, which lays the groundwork for the next generation of turfgrass managers.
The introduction of a new turf demonstration center at HGTC features a mini-course complete with greens and sand traps, enriching the overall student learning experience. This progressive approach ensures that students not only excel academically but emerge as highly skilled professionals ready to tackle the challenges of the industry.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Horry-Georgetown Technical College: A Catalyst for Workforce Development
Myrtle Beach Students Prepare for Golf Tournament
HGTC Cultivates Sports Industry Talent in Myrtle Beach
Horry-Georgetown Technical College Expands Access and Programs
Myrtle Beach Bowl Showcases Collegiate Football Excellence
Broncos Win MAC Championship, Prepare for Myrtle Beach Bowl
Clemson University Turf Club Wins Myrtle Beach Golf Championship
Florence, South Carolina Mourning Loss of Golf Industry Pioneer
Remembering Bruce Martin: A Golf Industry Pioneer
Myrtle Beach Golf Hall of Fame Welcomes New Legends
Additional Resources
- WMBF News: HGTC Golf Program Prepares Students
- Wikipedia: Turf Management
- Post and Courier: SC Golf Courses and College Careers
- Google Search: Golf Management Careers
- Conway Daily Sun: Fall Preview Kennett Golfers
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Golf
- Golf Course Industry: Horry-Georgetown Technical College
- Google News: Golf Tourism
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
