Professional Development

The Turfgrass Managers Short Course Certificate (TMSC)

The TMSC is Canada's most successful and longest running recognized certificate in the field of turfgrass management. This 4 week program has over 50 years of tradition and excellence in educating and preparing a broad range of students and industry professionals for their careers. Students of all age groups, genders, nationalities, come from all sectors in the turf industry (golf, lawn care, sports fields, municipal recreation facilities, sod, landscaping, and horticulture) come together in this program to learn more and develop themselves for increased opportunity, knowledge and connectivity. The TMSC certificate is recognized by all major professional associations in the turf industry and has become world renowned for its quick, yet thorough educational curriculum. If you are interested in the program, we suggest you inquire about registration ASAP. This course has a history of selling out and spots fill up quickly.

Specific questions about course content and registration?

Contact Open Learning and Educational Support

Phone: 519 767 5000

Email: info@OpenEd.uoguelph.ca

A classroom filled with students

The Ontario Turfgrass Symposium

Hosted at the University of Guelph during the month of February, this annual conference features educational programming for turf managers in Sports Turf, Golf, Recreational Facilities Management, Sod Production, and Lawn Care. The event is unique in that any attendee has the choice of 3 or 4 educational streams to choose from at any one time. OTS is perfect for team professional development getaways, alumni get togethers, and staying up to date with new ideas, research and techniques for maintaining turf and turf related facilities. Attending OTS not only helps to support our partner associations (Sports Turf Canada, Professional Lawn Care Association of Ontario, Ontario Recreational Facilities Association, and the Nursery Sod Growers Association), but also supports the Guelph Turfgrass Institute.

An amphitheatre filled with people watching a lecture

Research Field Days

Hosted at the Guelph Turfgrass Institute, these events include are partnered with various professional associations within the turfgrass industry. Generally, the days begin with morning discussions and industry updates over coffee which progress into interpretive tours of various active or recent research projects. Research Field Days often include hands-on workshops, equipment demonstrations from our sponsors, a BBQ lunch and networking opportunities.

Currently, we work with Sports Turf Canada (STC) , Landscape Ontario (LO) and The Ontario Golf Course Superintendents Association (OGSA). Details and event information will be posted on our e-newsletter, website homepage banner, news articles, as well as our partner websites.

A group of people standing in a grass field listening to a researcher

General Inquiries on Research Field Days?

Contact the Guelph Turfgrass Institute

Phone: 510 824 4120 x52784

Email: gti@uoguelph.ca for more information

Professional Development Seminars and Workshops

Does your team, group or association require specific training for a particular task or piece of infrastructure? Perhaps you have some new staff who need to get up to speed on basic principles of turfgrass management. The Guelph Turfgrass Institute has the facilities, knowledge, staff and experience necessary to create turfgrass and industry related curriculum that can strengthen and improve the skills and abilities of your team. Inquire with us today about scheduling a professional development workshop or seminar with your group. Rates and charges vary with the needs of each group. Please email us at gti@uguelph.ca if you are interested in setting up a seminar or workshop.

A group of people looking at the ground while standing on a soccer field

General Inquiries on Customized Education and Workshops?