On Saturday, March 14th, First Tee — Greater Philadelphia and Walnut Lane Golf Course Superintendent Joe Alvare hosted the second orientation event for the Greenskeeper Pathway Program. The event welcomed students interested in the opportunity to work on a local golf course this upcoming summer — and for some, the possibility of pursuing a future in the Turf Industry. Joe spent time explaining some of the basics to jobs you might have working on a golf course in your first summer. Joe reviewed all the fundamentals with an emphasis on safety and understanding the importance of paying attention to your surroundings.
Between the orientation at Walnut Lane Golf Club this weekend and the session at John F. Byrne Golf Club hosted by Superintendent Joe Diacovo last weekend, 14 students attended and took the first step toward a job in golf course maintenance!
Students will participate in one more round of training before being placed at a golf course near their home for the Summer 2026 season.
The Greenskeeper Pathway Program began in 2025, thanks to the encouragement of Scott Bordner and Andrew Mason, CPCU of Super-Scratch Foundation. The inaugural season featured three students, mentored by Tim Edwards at RiverCrest Golf Club and Andrew Dooley of The Union League of Philadelphia.
Following feedback and support from Tim Edwards, Andrew Dooley, Scott Bordner, and Joe Diacavo, TFTGP began promoting the program earlier this year — helping build strong momentum and a significant increase in participation for 2026.
It’s exciting to see the partnership between First Tee — Greater Philadelphia and the Philly Assoc helping to continue to grow a program that introduces young people to careers in the Turf Industry! GCSAA Turf
–Bill Corcoran can be reached at b.corcoran@baroness.us
