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Fairways of Opportunity
Aswe explore golf in our great state in this summer edition, I am reminded of how our professional paths can be shaped in the most unexpected ways. My introduction to golf happened quite by accident, and yet it has profoundly shaped my career and my life.
When I was accepted into the Turfgrass Management Program at North Carolina State University (NCSU), I had no clear direction on which sector of the industry I would pursue. In fact, golf was probably at the bottom of my list of potential paths. My initial plan, after graduating high school, was to continue working for my dad on the crew of his asphalt paving company, a job I had done for years. However, a chance opportunity to work at The Kinston Country Club for the summer changed everything. I decided to take the job at the country club to gain some basic turfgrass knowledge before starting my formal education at NCSU. From the moment I stepped onto the course, I fell in love with the work. There was something about the meticulous care and attention required to maintain a golf course that resonated with me. By the time I began my classes that fall, I was already thinking about how I could apply what I was learning to golf course management. The idea of entering any other segment of the industry simply faded away.
Early in my career, I did take a brief detour outside of the golf industry. I accepted a position as a production manager for a landscaping company. Almost immediately, I realized how much I missed the unique challenges and rewards of golf course management. It wasn’t long before I found myself drawn back to where I felt I truly belonged.
Returning to the golf industry led me to my first position as a golf course superintendent at The Kinston Country Club, the very place where my passion for golf course management was ignited. It felt like a full-circle moment, coming back to where it all began and having the opportunity to apply my knowledge and skills in a setting that had already played a significant role in my life.
As we focus on the theme of golf in this edition of NC Turfgrass Magazine, I am reminded of the critical role that golf plays in our industry and in our communities. Golf courses are more than just places to play; they are vital green spaces that require the expertise and dedication of turfgrass professionals to thrive. Our work not only enhances the playing experience but also contributes to the environmental sustainability and aesthetic beauty of these courses.
Our commitment to excellence in turfgrass management ensures that North Carolina's golf courses remain some of the best in the country. Whether you are just starting out in this field or have been a part of it for many years, your efforts are essential to the continued success and growth of the golf industry. Let's continue to support each other and share our knowledge and experiences.
Wil Sutton President Turfgrass Council of North Carolina
Greg Harris Leap Frog Land Care, Inc. Fuquay-Varina, NC
TREASURER
Jonathan Richardson, NCCTP NCCTP Chairman Green Resource Dunn, NC
PAST PRESIDENT
Kevin Herrmann Fairway Green Inc. Raleigh, NC
DIRECTORS
Brian Beane Southern Turf Winston-Salem, NC
Alpha Jones Fayetteville Woodpeckers Fayetteville, NC
Shaun Kerr
Gates Four Golf and Country Club Fayetteville, NC
Spencer Thomas Keith Hills Country Club Lillington, NC
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CROP AND SOIL SCIENCES
Dr. Travis Gannon Assistant Professor 919.515.2647 travis_gannon@ncsu.edu
Dr. Susana Milla-Lewis Professor & University Faculty Scholar 919.280.3443 susana_milla-lewis@ncsu.edu
Dr. Grady Miller Professor & Extension Specialist 919.515.5656 grady_miller@ncsu.edu
Dr. Rob Richardson Associate Professor & Extension Specialist 919.515.5653 rob_richardson@ncsu.edu
Dr. Wei Shi Professor 919.513.4641 wei_shi@ncsu.edu
Dr. Fred Yelverton Professor & Extension Specialist 919.515.5639 fred_yelverton@ncsu.edu
Dr. Qiyu Zhou Assistant Professor 313.782.2892 qzhou9@ncsu.edu
ENTOMOLOGY AND PLANT PATHOLOGY
Dr. Terri Billeisen Extension Associate 919.515.7464 tlhoctor@ncsu.edu
Dr. Rick Brandenburg Extension Leader 919.515.8876 rick_brandenburg@ncsu.edu
Lee Butler NC State Turf Diagnostics Lab 919.513.3878 ebutler@ncsu.edu
Dr. James Kerns Professor and Extension Specialist 919.513.4820 jpkerns@ncsu.edu
HORTICULTURE SCIENCE
Dr. Danesha Seth Carley Director, Southern IPM Center & Associate Professor 919.513.8189 danesha_carley@ncsu.edu
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Calendar of Events
August 14, 2024
NCSU Field Day
Raleigh
NC STATE EXTENSION EVENTS
July 30, 2024
Turfgrass and Technology
Regional Workshop
Goldsboro
August 1, 2024
Turfgrass and Technology
Regional Workshop
Charlotte
August 6, 2024
6:00 pm
Pesticide Safety Education for Private Applicators
August 9, 2024
9:00 am
Skills for Success: Networking within your County
August 14, 2024
8:00 am
Raleigh Turfgrass Field Day
September 9, 2024
5:30 pm
Private Pesticide Training
September 10, 2024
9:00 am
Private Pesticide Training
For more information about NCSU Extension events, visit www.ces.ncsu.edu/events
Jonathan Cawley Louisburg, NC
Weldon Davis Louisburg, NC
Robert
Todd Edwards Moncure, NC
Melodee Fraser
Jake Harper Pink Hill, NC
Jed Hemenway Sneads Ferry, NC
Curtis Home Sanford, NC
Jeff Johnson Dover, NC
Gary Michels Rolesville, NC
Brian Nance Rolesville, NC
Malcolm
Paul Newberry Rolesville, NC
Donald Robinson Monroe, NC
Brandon Schofield Spartanburg, NC
Anthony Thomas Indian Trail, NC
Brian Williams Stedman, NC
INDUSTRY MEMBERS TCNC GOLF
FDon’t see your name? Log into your profile at turfgrasscouncilnc.org and select “golf” as your industry. rom the mountains to the coast, we have so many outstanding members thriving in the golf industry, so how could we pick just one? We are proud to put a spotlight on all our current members showing their skills and knowledge across the state.
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GOLF COURSE SALES STAFF
Jim Wells — West Central Florida (941) 720–2712
Roger Welker — East Coast Florida (772) 260–0282
Kevin Downing — South Florida (561) 427–4501
Jeff Strother — Southwest Florida (941) 270–0470
Andrew Wampler — Western Carolinas (828) 674–2594
Brandon Hicks — Central North Carolina (336) 906–0803
Nathan Biggs — North Carolina...................... (704) 996–5125
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THE OF IN
ECONOMIC CAROLINA IMPACT GOLF NORTH
The Vital Role of Turfgrass Professionals
By Kristina Kelly
North Carolina, renowned for its scenic beauty and diverse landscapes, has become a premier destination for golf enthusiasts. With roughly 600 golf courses scattered across the state, golf is not only a cherished pastime but also a significant economic driver. The dedication and hard work of turfgrass maintenance professionals have been instrumental in supporting recorded growth. Our members contribute tireless efforts in preserving the beauty and playability of the courses that create an environment that attracts golfers from near and far, generating revenue and boosting local economies.
An Economic Contributor
Golf has a substantial economic footprint in North Carolina. According to a 2017 study, the sport generated an impressive $2.3 billion in direct spending. This figure includes expenditures by golfers on green fees, equipment, travel, and other related expenses. The total economic impact of golf in the state, however, extends far beyond direct spending. When considering indirect and induced effects, the total economic impact reaches a staggering $4.2 billion. This comprehensive figure underscores the importance of golf to the state’s economy.
A Historical Perspective
The substantial economic impact of golf in North Carolina is not a new phenomenon. The 2011 Economic Impact of North Carolina Golf Report revealed the industry generated $4.2 billion in total economic impact and supported nearly 53,000 jobs with $1.3 billion in wage income. These consistent figures over the years illustrate the stability and resilience of the golf industry in the state.
Anticipating New Insights
As you may have heard, the Green Industry Council is currently conducting a new study to update and expand our understanding of the
green industry’s economic impact in North Carolina, including golf. The results of this study are eagerly anticipated by all stakeholders, as they will provide fresh insights into the current state and future potential of the industry. This study will also shed light on the evolving contributions of turfgrass professionals who play a critical role in sustaining the industry’s success. Your participation in this survey will help shape these results.
Please visit go.ncsu.edu/nc-greenindustry-survey to take the survey.
The Unsung Heroes: Turfgrass Professionals
While the economic figures are impressive, they only tell part of the story. The thriving golf industry in North Carolina owes much of its success to the expertise and dedication of turfgrass professionals. These individuals are the unsung heroes who ensure that golf courses remain in pristine condition, providing golfers with the high-quality playing surfaces they expect.
Turfgrass professionals are responsible for a wide range of tasks, including mowing, fertilizing, irrigating, and pest control. Their work requires a deep understanding of agronomy, soil science, and environmental management. By maintaining healthy and aesthetically pleasing turf, they enhance the overall golfing experience, which in turn attracts more players and generates more revenue.
Looking Ahead
The economic impact of golf in North Carolina is profound, contributing billions of dollars to the state’s economy and supporting tens of thousands of jobs. This success is underpinned by the vital work of turfgrass professionals who maintain the high standards of North Carolina’s golf courses. As we await the results of the Green Industry Council’s new study, it is clear that the continued investment in and appreciation of turfgrass professionals will be crucial to sustaining and growing the economic benefits of golf in North Carolina.
TECH-DRIVEN ELEVATING AI TURFGRASS
By Jennifer Howard Student Spotlight: Brynna Bruxellas
State’s Department of Crop and Soil Sciences is home to over 350 students pursuing twoyear, four-year, and graduate degrees in agricultural and environmental sciences.
Our mission is to connect them with the opportunities and careers that solve growing challenges.
Brynna Bruxellas is a first-year master’s student studying drone technology in agriculture.
Hi Brynna, where are you from?
I’m from Richardson County in southeast Nebraska.
For my bachelor’s degree, I majored in geography and geospatial technology at Concordia University. I was originally a computer science major but took geography as an elective. I had a really engaging professor who highlighted all of the technological uses and careers in the field.
What was your journey to NC State?
I came to NC State for a summer Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program in soil science. I was really interested in drones in agriculture.
In that 10-week program, I made good friends with some other REU students from all over the country. I studied the influence of topography and soil moisture on soil nitrogen. The experience was everything I wanted. I got to fly multiple drones in the field, earned my drone pilot’s license, learned GIS applications and saw exactly how and why this technology is valuable. It helped set up my senior capstone project.
What was your senior project about?
It was called The Path to No Roads. I used QGIS to identify the most remote spot (furthest from any road) in the contiguous U.S. I had gained the ability to use software and could really dive deep into learning the research process.
So, where is the most remote spot in the U.S.?
I published my research in a YouTube video. You can watch it there. [Smiling]
Did you visit NC State for the REU program and decide to apply as a graduate student?
I really wasn’t planning on graduate school. I thought I’d graduate with a bachelor’s degree and start working in land surveying.
But REU opened my eyes to what graduate school might entail. I liked NC State’s campus and professors, so I warmed to the idea. My REU (and now graduate) advisor, Rob Austin, mentored me through the application process.
Brynna pilots a drone at an NC State turfgrass research field.
What originally interested you about computer programming?
My uncle is a computer programmer, and I liked the idea of being able to hack something. But I realized there’s a lot of 9-5 in the office. I want to use my skills in fieldwork.
Drone work lets me do both. I’ve already learned a lot of software: ArcGIS and Python at Concordia, metashape, R Studio, and web mapping at NC State, and QGIS on my own.
What does your graduate research entail?
I’m studying the use of drone imagery to rate turfgrass quality for breeders and disease identification. When breeders evaluate new turfgrass lines, they have to visually assess and score each turf plot, which can be time-consuming and subjective.
I’m flying drones over turf plots on the days they rate turf to hopefully correlate imagery with the breeders’ ground truthing. Then, we can create machine learning and deep learning models that rate turf based on data obtained using the drone. This allows researchers to spend less time walking plots and more time analyzing results with less bias.
Did you know you wanted to work in turfgrass?
No, I originally was thinking about forages. But turfgrass was where the opportunity was. I’ve found the turfgrass industry to be much bigger than I imagined. There are so many turfgrass species and uses. It’s a really vibrant industry that is really quite broad.
You’re involved in other drone projects, too, right?
In addition to my thesis research, NC State hired me as the main pilot for a project called the “Drone Pilot Project.” Every week, I fly non-targeted flights over research fields at several research stations to obtain general data about that location that will be available to researchers to download from the cloud in the future.
We are testing how feasible it is to fly research fields regularly – like satellites produce data – but at higher resolution from drones. Hopefully the data will be useful to those field researchers to analyze and support their inquiries retroactively.
demonstrates fertilizer application rates at an NC State turfgrass short course event.
Brynna Bruxellas prepares a drone for flight at an NC State turfgrass field lab.
Brynna
What opportunities have you had to share your research?
I’ve attended several conferences, most recently the AI in Agriculture conference hosted at Texas A&M University. I thought I was just going to present a poster, but it turned out to be a competition with anonymous judges. I didn’t even know I was entered, so I was floored at the meeting when they called my name as one of three winners.
That conference was a great opportunity to see how connected the turf industry is and how they work together.
Rumor has it that you were being recruited pretty hard.
[Laughing] Well, maybe.
I did get a great opportunity to meet people at Texas A&M and see their turfgrass facility.
Does this mean a Ph.D. is in your future?
I don’t know. Rob Austin has been great at fueling different opportunities and encouraging me to keep an open mind.
Now, my focus is on writing my master’s thesis and deciding whether to pursue a Ph.D.
Brynna poses with her award-winning research poster.
What is your career goal?
Ultimately, I want to work outdoors with drones and maybe even own my own business—maybe dealing with golf course management, conservation, or land surveying. I definitely want to return to Nebraska someday.
What other opportunities have you had at NC State?
I was lucky to get involved with the LPGA’s Grads to Golf program sponsored by John Deere. I’ve always wanted to play golf because so much business is done on the course, but I didn’t know how to get started.
This program teaches female graduate students the skills and etiquette of golf. There were also “lunch and learn” sessions on leadership and empowerment. On the last day, we played a 9-hole round at the Lonnie Poole Golf Course. I highly recommend the program to anyone interested!
NO NEED TO SWEAT THIS SUMMER!
Brynna Bruxellas practices putting at a Grads to Golf event at the Lonnie Poole Golf Course
What’s your advice to a new student at NC State?
Pursue what interests you and follow your opportunities, and all the timing will work out. Oh, and everyone should take a computer programming class.
Picture yourself in crop and soil sciences.
If you are looking for an academic path that leads to a career of impact, consider crop and soil sciences. Our students learn from expert professors and experience hands-on adventures every day.
Learn more about our student degree pathways, including deep dives into our agronomy, soil science and turfgrass programs. Then, join us for a guided email tour of our Crop & Soil Sciences Department.
Connecting students with high-performing careers is just part of how we are growing the future.
THE 411 ON
BLUEGRASS ANNUAL WEEVILS
By Gram Grant and Terri Billeisen, Ph.D., Turfgrass Entomology Lab, North Carolina State University
INTRODUCTION
The annual bluegrass weevil (ABW; Listronotus maculicollis) is an insect pest of cool-season turfgrasses, primarily annual bluegrass (Poa annua) and creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera). Native to the United States, ABW was first detected causing damage on golf courses in Connecticut in 1931. Since then, ABW has caused damage in managed turfgrass in the Midwest and southeastern US, as well as five provinces in Canada (Fig. 1).
Fig. 1. Annual Bluegrass Weevil Detected Damaging Managed Turfgrass; Credit: B. McGraw, Penn State University
ABW adults are small (⅛ in length), black or dark-brown beetles with a long, curved proboscis (Fig. 2), similar to that of other weevils. Adults are often confused with hunting billbugs as the elongate body shape and proboscis look similar among weevil species. However, ABWs are less than half of the length of an adult hunt-
ing billbug which measures 0.3–0.4 inches (Fig. 3). Additionally, the snout of ABWs is shorter and thicker than that of hunting billbugs. ABW larvae are small and legless with a cream-colored body and a brown head.
Fig. 2. Adult Annual Bluegrass Weevil (L. maculicollis); Credit: M. Bertone, NC State University
Fig. 3. Annual Bluegrass Weevil (left) and Hunting Billbug Adults; Credit: M. Bertone, NC State University
DISTRIBUTION AND DAMAGE
ABW damage is most common in short-mown turf, typically fairways, collars, approaches, and tees on golf courses. Damage to greens is possible but uncommon as fewer larvae are present (Czyzewski and McGraw, 2017). Adults overwinter in fairways and, depending on location, emerge from deep in the soil profile from early to mid-February in North Carolina. Although capable of flying very short distances, ABW moves primarily by walking the turfgrass surface at night, approximately one hour after sunset. In addition to walking, ABW also can move around the course on mowing equipment. Although ABWs are known primarily for damage to annual bluegrass, they also can cause wilting and yellowing in creeping bentgrass, which can be slower to show damage symptoms. Preliminary trials have indicated that ABW can survive on warm-season turfgrasses, including bermudagrass ( Cynodon dactylon ) and zoysiagrass ( Zoysia spp.), but damage potential in these turf species has not yet been evaluated. During this period, adults will feed on leaf tissue and females will chew a small hole in the stem where eggs are laid. After hatching, larvae develop through five larval instars before pupating. Early-instar larvae tunnel throughout the stem of the turf plant to feed. As they grow larger, larvae exit the stem and feed on the crown and roots of the turf. Damage from this feeding may begin as yellow spots on the turf ( Fig. 4 ) that expands as the season continues ( Fig. 5 ). ABW adults and larvae feed on turfgrass from February to October although damage in North Carolina is most common and severe mid- to late May. ABW completes three generations in North Carolina, when adults move deep in the soil to overwinter in November-December.
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MONITORING
While recommendations for monitoring and application timing for ABWs often rely on plant phenological indicators such as bloom periods for Forsythia spp. and flowering dogwood (Cornus florida) in the northeastern US, inconstant and fluctuating spring temperatures in North Carolina render this strategy ineffective. Weekly monitoring for ABW is essential for
managing infestations. Traditional monitoring efforts focus on both adult and larval collection, applying control products when either life stage reaches a threshold for treatment. In North Carolina, larvae are active deep in the soil profile (5+ inches) compared to northern sites and are recovered from closer to the soil surface only in areas of moderate-severe damage. NC ABW monitoring programs, therefore, focus on tracking weekly adult activity and using peaks to determine application timing.
1. How quickly after an application can I expect to see a reduction in adults?
A. It depends on which active ingredient you are using. After applying a product that controls adults (think: pyrethroids), you should see a decrease in the number of adults you find in your next soap flush. If it is a product that is better for larval control, you may or may not see a decrease in adult numbers, depending on where the insect is in its life cycle.
2. I am just now seeing ABW in my fairways and haven’t managed them before. How often should I expect to spray for them?
A. The number of applications will fluctuate from yearto-year. In NC, courses with established ABW populations spray anywhere from two to seven times per year. In some years, more control is necessary and other years are quieter. The key is to keep up with the weekly tracking so you can anticipate problem areas as early as possible.
3. Do ABW tend to pop up in the same areas from year to year?
A. Yes and no. Yes, they will cause damage in the same areas so make sure to focus your monitoring efforts in areas of past damage. However, they can also spread to new areas within a course either by walking or short flight. Keep an eye out, especially in the spring and early summer, for areas where the turf looks stressed and put out a few soap flushes. It’s easy to rule out the possibility of ABW damage with a quick soap flush!
Although ABW can be monitored via vacuum sampling, pitfall traps or hand collection, the easiest method for quantifying ABW adults in a fixed area is using the soap flush technique. Soap flushing forces mobile insects to the soil surface by flooding the top few inches of the soil with a soapy liquid that is irritating to the insect exoskeleton. Conduct a soap flush by mixing a dyed and heavily-scented, such as a yellow “lemon” or green “laundry” scent, dish detergent with water and apply to turf via bucket or watering can. Thoroughly soak the area in both damaged and adjacent non-damaged areas and wait 2–3 minutes. If present, adult ABWs will appear on the surface, climbing up and clinging to the tips of leaf blades.
TREATMENT
Pyrethroids (bifenthrin, lambda-cyhalothrin) are most effective against ABW adults while anthranilic diamides (chlorantraniliprole, cyantraniliprole) and an insect growth regulator (novaluron) are more effective against the larvae. Each of these insecticides may be used in a control program to target different life stages. Pyrethroid applications targeting adults should be timed when adult activity peaks.
Similar to other multivoltine insects in turfgrass, such as chinch bugs, repeated applications throughout the year can result in resistance issues if managers do not rotate insecticide classes. Resistance in ABW resulting in field control failures can build in as short as five years when the same mode of action is used exclusively and repeatedly. Once resistance has been established, the use of the pesticide that led to resistance is ineffective and can no longer be used. Furthermore, pyrethroid resistance can also lead to reduced efficacy in other insecticide classes by as much as 57% (Koppenhöfer et al. 2012) For control of ABW, pyrethroid resistance is the greatest management concern as they provide the highest and most consistent level of adult control.
Biological options for ABW control are very limited. Previous research has indicated entomopathogenic nematodes can reduce ABW larval populations by as much as 50% (McGraw and Koppenhofer, 2009), but fail to provide a consistent level of control. Products containing Bt can also be efficacious against ABW but, similar to nematodes, results will vary. Biological organisms used for pest control are highly sensitive and efficacy of these products are reduced when applied in direct sunlight, in dry conditions and high temperatures.
Using cultural control techniques, such as selecting less susceptible turfgrass species and altering mowing height can help mitigate ABW damage. ABW damage is more prevalent in annual bluegrass stands compared to creeping bentgrass.
This appears to be less about host feeding preference; rather, creeping bentgrass can tolerate more feeding before showing symptoms of damage. Mowing height can also affect the incidence and severity of ABW damage. Damage to greens is rarely reported as low mowing height is not optimal for feeding and oviposition. As mowing height increases from green height to fairway height, reports of damage become more common.
As we move into spring and begin to see warmer temperatures, it is important to start monitoring for ABW infestations. Applying soap flushes and keeping tracking of adult counts each week provides an effective way to monitor adult activity and apply adulticides when peak adult activity is reached. Remember, May is when we observe some of the most severe ABW damage in North Carolina, so stay vigilant in the coming weeks. For more information, including a template for recording adult counts from soap flushing, be sure to visit NC Turf Bugs.
REFERENCES
McGraw. B.A., Koppenhofer, A.M. 2009. Population dynamics and interactions between endemic entomopathogenic nematodes and annual bluegrass weevil populations in golf course turfgrass. Applied soil ecology 41 (1), 77-89.
Koppenhöfer, A. M., Alm S. R., Cowles R. S., McGraw B. A., Swier S., and Vittum P. J. 2012. Controlling annual bluegrass weevil: optimal timing and rates. Golf Course Management, March 2012, 98–104.
Albrecht M. Koppenhöfer, Kostromytska, O. S., & Wu, S. 2018. Pyrethroid-resistance level affects performance of larvicides and adulticides from different insecticide classes in populations of Listronotus maculicollis (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). Journal of Economic Entomology, 111(4), 1851-1859.
Czyzewski, B. D., & McGraw, B. A. 2017. Mowing height influences Listronotus maculicollis (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) oviposition behavior and mechanical removal from golf course putting greens, but not larval development. Journal of Economic Entomology, 110(5), 2165-2171.
Your New Go-To Grass
All claims based on research results from National Turfgrass Evaluation Program (NTEP) trials & Oklahoma State University. Visit our website for full reports.
See Tahoma 31 in the Transition Zone for yourself at:
Liberty National Golf Club, New Jersey (driving range tee)
Naval Academy Golf Club, Maryland (fairways, tees)
Congressional Country Club, Maryland (8-acre driving range)
Southern Hills Country Club, Oklahoma (collars)
Developed by the turfgrass experts at Oklahoma State University, Tahoma 31 Bermudagrass pushes the geographic boundaries of bermudagrass into the northernmost reaches of the Transition Zone. Highly cold tolerant, the name “Tahoma” comes from the Native American word that means “frozen water.”
Use Tahoma 31 to design golf courses that are beautiful, sustainable, easier to maintain and play great.
COLD
Plant Tahoma 31 further north for a strong base in the winter that fights wilt in the sumner.
COLOR
Blue-green most of the year. Golden in dormancy. Earliest green-up for spring color.
Thick, dense turf. ¼ to ½-inch mowing height for tees, fairways. PLAYABILITY Use less water. Takes 18% less water than TifTuf.
QUALITY Got trees? Handles up to 63% shade.
Rated #1 for beauty and resilience. Heals fast from divots & wear.
North Carolina Certified Turfgrass Professional (NCCTP) program is a comprehensive program developed to enhance the technical competency of turfgrass professionals, while elevating their professional image, that of your business and of the turfgrass management industry. Administered by the Turfgrass Council of North Carolina, the NCCTP designation confirms your expertise in turfgrass management to prospective customers and your peers.
Reasons to Begin Earning Your NCCTP Designation Today
The NCCTP program increases and enhances your turfgrass industry knowledge, career, and business development through a course of study of in-depth coverage of the science of turfgrass management.
The NCCTP designation offers immediate confidence and credibility of turfgrass management practices to customers and prospective employers.
Promote and market yourself as a North Carolina Certified Turfgrass Professional.
• Use the NCCTP logo on your business materials.
• Use NCCTP pins, uniform patches, and vehicle decals.
• Your TCNC Member Directory listing is distinguished with the NCCTP designation.
We Are Partnered With The NC State Turfgrass Professional Short Course
The NC State Turfgrass Professional Short Course, a comprehensive turfgrass education program, is offered at select NC State Extension offices and at NC State University. This Short Course offers a full curriculum of the science of turfgrass management as well as Continuing Education Credits for NCDACS Pesticide and NCLCLB Landscape Contractors’ license holders, and it will help you prepare for the NCCTP exam.
This Short Course is recommended but not required to take the NCCTP exam.
Enrollment Requirements:
Hold a current TCNC membership. If not currently a member, go to www.turfgrasscouncilnc.org and click ‘JOIN NOW’ to join online or download an application. Have a minimum of one full year of work experience in the turfgrass industry.
Agree to the Certified Turfgrass Professional Code of Ethics as detailed on the application form.
Submit:
• A current and valid NC Pesticide Applicators license
• A completed NCCTP application (current TCNC members may apply online).
• NCCTP Program Application: $150
• Self-Study Materials: $50
• Exam Fee: $50
Curriculum and Exam:
Curriculum covers nine core areas: Turfgrass Characteristics; Establishing Turfgrass; Soils & Nutrient Management; Cultural Practices; Pests & Integrated Pest Management; Pesticides & Plant Growth Regulators; Landscape Safety & Pesticide Use; Calculations & Calibration; Turfgrass Business & Economics.
Candidates have six months from the date of their enrollment acceptance to complete the NCCTP exam. Candidates have six hours to complete the exam and must score 80% or more on each section to receive the NCCTP designation.
Exams can be taken at the TCNC office in Raleigh during normal business hours, or arrangements can be made at your local NC State Extension location.
Exams will not be graded if any application information is missing or if TCNC membership status cannot be confirmed. Please allow two to three weeks for exam grading and reports.
Upon successful completion of the exam, candidates will receive communication with their results and either next step options or their graduation packet.
Maintenance Requirements:
Maintain a current TCNC membership as a means of demonstrating ongoing support for the industry. Submit an annual $50 renewal fee, which supports the NCCTP program and related promotional activities. Designation year is the same as the TCNC membership year, from July 1st to June 30th.
Hold a current NC Pesticide Applicator’s License. Subscribe to, actively support and uphold the TCNC Certification Code of Ethics.
The NC Certified Turfgrass Professional designation (NCCTP), the NCCTP logo and related programs materials are the trademarked property of the Turfgrass Council of North Carolina and cannot be used without TCNC’s written permission.
For additional information, contact TCNC at 984.301.5460.
Where Quality Meets Testimonial. A
CHAMPION AMONG TURFGRASSES
Adam Deiwert, GC Superintendent
“Seeing the difference from zoysias to bermuda with NorthBridge has just been amazing. I know bermuda roots in and establishes quickly, but this seemed to take it to a whole other level on speed that it was able to grow in.”
