The United States Golf Association (USGA) has announced the 2026 Greenkeeper Apprenticeship Program (GAP) Class, marking the fourth year of the program.

The 35 Apprentices across both the Pinehurst and Myrtle Beach locations receive a combination of on-the-job training and classroom instruction, allowing students to take their knowledge from the classroom directly to the course.

As part of USGA’s mission to advance the game, GAP was created to promote career growth and long-term success within the Golf and Turf Industry.

Through this program, students develop their skills at top-tier facilities such as Pinehurst Resort and Country Club, Tobacco Road Golf Club, The Dunes Golf and Beach Club, Bulls Bay Golf Club and Southern Pines Golf Club.

Apprentices attend class at Sandhills Community College in Pinehurst, North Carolina or Horry- Georgetown Technical College in Conway, South Carolina, where USGA Agronomists, University Scientists, Industry Professionals and Golf Course Superintendents lead attendees through content anchored in the on-course experience gained during the program.

The Apprenticeship Program has built strong momentum in its first three years.

Across both sites, 68 participants have graduated, 27 have earned promotions (40%) and 64 remain employed in the industry (94%).

Participants are employed full-time at a partner Golf Course Facility in the Sandhills of North Carolina and the Grand Strand of South Carolina to build skillsets in Turf Management.

Each Apprentice receives support from leadership on site, a Mentor and a Field Supervisor from the USGA to further their learning and provide a network of trusted Associates to call on in the future.

A variety of topics are covered throughout the year-long program, including water science, pest management, fertility and the mathematics of turf-grass maintenance.

The 2026 GAP class consists of students from 14 states, 17 are aged 25 or under and eight of the individuals are college graduates, including two with Master’s Degrees and one with a Medical Degree.

To Read This Apprenticeship And Training Labor News Story In Its Entirety, Go To: Greenkeeper Apprentice Program Enters Fourth Year of Promoting Career Growth in Turf Industry