Groundbreaking partnership is win-win for Cromwell

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Tenille Guttery (year 2 student), Gary Smith (Otago Polytechnic Sports Turf Lecturer), Jean Tilleyshort (Otago Polytechnic Regional Manager) and Graham Mercer (Cromwell Golf Club Manager) sealing the deal at Cromwell Golf Club

Media release from Otago Polytechnic
9 March 2009

Groundbreaking partnership is win-win for Cromwell

A groundbreaking partnership was celebrated on Friday (6 March) which will benefit Cromwell Sports Turf Management students and golfers alike.

Otago Polytechnic and Cromwell Golf Club have become the first in New Zealand to sign a deal which will provide long-term mutual benefits for both parties.

Under the arrangement, the students of New Zealand’s only full-time sports turf programme will have access to on-tap work experience just five minutes from their classroom and the Club will receive assistance with maintaining and upgrading their golf course.

The agreement will give students the opportunity to undertake big upgrade projects while both the club and polytechnic will save money by sharing equipment.

Otago Polytech Sports Turf Management Programme Manager Gary Smith says at some stage the Sports Turf Management course may actually operate from the Golf Club, but that’s yet to be decided.

“Other golf courses will be ‘green’with envy when they hear about this,” he says. “It’s a win-win situation for both parties. The motivation for the agreement has been because of Otago Polytech’s ‘learn by doing’ approach and the close relationship we have with the Club.

“I want my students to have as many practical skills as possible because there’s huge demand for sports turf specialists, particularly in New Zealand and Australia. Our graduates are already highly valued by the industry and post-course job placement is nearly 100 percent.

“The experience of maintaining and upgrading their ‘own’ golf course gives them another vital string to their bow.”

Cromwell Golf Club Manager Graham Mercer says he’s delighted with the result.

“From our perspective, we’re excited about being able to support and contribute to our students’ education. It’s all part of our wider commitment to the community. And, of course, it’s a great added bonus that we get a beautifully maintained golf course!”

Otago Polytech’s sports turf programme has been running in Central Otago since 1999. It covers the management of golf courses, rugby grounds, cricket venues, and other sporting venues. There is a 50-50 mix of theory and practical work as well as work experience every week at top sporting facilities.

New Zealand Golf and New Zealand Cricket have both endorsed the programme because students develop all the turf knowledge and skills required to secure a position of responsibility within the industry.

At the end of the two-year course students graduate with a National Certificate in Sports Turf Management (Level 4) which is recognised worldwide.

ENDS

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