Tri-County Classes Offer Technical Training for Those
Working in Jobs Requiring Installation and Maintenance of Turf

CONTACT: WAYNE LINK, EXT. 2227

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 7/23/99
(By Lisa Garrett)

PENDLETON --- After receiving an associate degree in turfgrass management and landscape design from Abraham Baldwin College in the 1980's, Dusty Mullins extended his training by enrolling in a three-week class in irrigation system design. His studies included additional mathematics, pressure loss, velocities and irrigation system design. Soon after entering the job market, he realized that he needed more hands-on technical training.

Mullins, of Easley, a golf course and grounds superintendent for MaxFli , realizes the importance of technical training for those working in jobs requiring installation and maintenance of turf. Since this spring he has been the instructor for Tri-County Technical College's new Turfgrass Management certificate program. Using his experience and technical knowledge, he was instrumental in designing the curriculum for the five-unit program.

The classes are for people working on a golf course crew or
assistant superintendents who desire additional training, said Mullins. "It's a basic program with flexible hours and classes that are tailored to meet the students' needs."

The introductory classes are geared towards landscapers or maintenance company employees. Introduction to Turfgrass will begin August 10. Other classes in the series include Drainage and Irrigation, Soils and Fertilizers, Integrated Pest Management and Turfgrass Maintenance Equipment.

Bob Land, of Walhalla, superintendent for the Oconee County Country Club, was one of the first to enroll in the initial class, offered earlier this year.

"The classes give students a better understanding of why we do what we do on the job," said Land, who has been working in the turfgrass management field for 20 years. "I've learned a lot. The classes give persons a better understanding of what they are trying to accomplish on a golf course. I don't know any other location where we can get this kind of knowledge. I'm glad to see the classes offered."

"Many can't attend a four-year college on a full-time basis," said Mullins. These classes are for working adults and/or anyone interested in pursuing this as a career.

The Tech courses are for persons who want additional technical training and who want turfgrass management to be a lifelong career.

In the last five or six years, the industry's training requirements have changed and the need for professional development has increased, Mullins said.

For more information, contact Wayne Link, Ext. 2227, at one of these numbers: Anderson County, 225-2250; Oconee County -- 882-4412; Pickens County -- 859-7033; or Clemson/Anderson/Pendleton -- 646-8361. Persons who are deaf, hard of hearing or speech disabled should call TDD/VOICE 1-800-735-2905.
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