Page 24 - GM Spring 2023

The Vancouver turf interns on a course tour hosted by Stu Sheridan at Capilano Golf & Country Club.
The invitation to apply is open to individuals looking to gain experience in the Private Golf Club world. Jamie Robb, AGS, from Marine Drive Golf Club mentioned, “... Although the target is for current turf students looking to fulfill their internship requirements, opportunities remain open to prospective students and recent graduates seeking exposure to private golf clubs.” We have applicants from many backgrounds who apply. Applicants range from those driven to become Golf Course Superintendents, but we have encountered those pursuing a General Manager role, or other executive positions within a golf club. “We want to keep the doors open”, added Jamie.
Andrew Hart from Shaughnessy Golf & Country Club, explained, “The goal was to find people who had interest and/or desire to work in the industry, and nurture that desire into a potential career.” He added, “We were looking for a way to encourage turf students to experience the west coast, which ultimately bonded the three clubs closer together.”
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT IS KEY
The objective of the Vancouver Turf Internship has always been to combine practical, hands-on, educational opportunities with an incentive to grow professionally. This approach has helped us continue to improve the program, keeping people engaged in the industry, as we learn to tailor the experience to everyone that participates in the VTI Program. It is great to know that every former intern has contributed to the experience of their successors and every new intern will help those who follow them. With support and mentorship from three reputable golf clubs delivering high level golf experiences, we are proud of all those that have taken part in our internship.
It is difficult to put into words the benefit of the VTI, but speaking from experience for us at Point Grey, we would not have been able to develop our
team’s culture without the help of our interns. It’s become an organic process of teaching and navigating the current industry climates. Simply put, it is the commitment to the industry as a whole, which helps us improve, adapt, and remain flexible.
Whether you are a current student, recent graduate, someone passionate about the golf industry or an assistant/superintendent that knows someone who might be interested, we hope to see this program succeed in helping build the next generation of Turfgrass Managers.
We are very thankful for our national and provincial associations as they lead our industry to continuously evolve with changes in labour and staffing, environmental conditions, and legislation. I want to especially thank the CGSA for the opportunity to share with you this exciting internship program.GM
For more information or to apply to the this program, visit: www.vancouverturfinternship.ca
24 • CGSA • GreenMaster