HND Golf Management

In this distance learning course, you'll develop the competencies required to become a Golf Course Manager and gain a sound knowledge of greenkeeping practice.

Location: Elmwood
Study mode: Distance learning (2 years)
Subject area: Golf
Start date: September 2025
Agency code: 1J41

Apply now

Course overview

This course is designed to help you develop the skills you'll need to begin a career as a golf course manager. It will give you a sound knowledge of greenkeeping practice, as well as teach you how to manage both human and financial resources.

You'll learn management skills specific to golf facilities, as well as the biological management of the course itself through modules on soil science and plant protection.

This course is available by Distance Learning for greenkeepers and course managers in full or part-time employment who would like to continue their studies but are unable to attend college.

Note: Please note that students undertaking this course who are domiciled out with Scotland the qualification title is Advanced Diploma Golf Management. This is a requirement of the awarding body, SQA (Scottish Qualifications Authority). SRUC can assure you that the content and qualification level of the HND and Advanced Diploma are exactly the same.

Virtual Experience

Take a look around the SRUC Virtual Experience for lots of great student videos and examples of what it’s like to study our courses, along with campus and facility tours.

SRUC holds open days regularly. Visit our listings page for details of our up-coming events.

Entry requirements

Two Highers (CC).

National Certificate in a relevant subject/SVQ Greenkeeping at SCQF Level 5 qualification or equivalent are also appropriate.

National 5 (A-C) or equivalent pass in English and Maths.

What you'll learn

You will develop a sound base of managerial skills relevant to the management of golf facilities. You'll also gain specialist knowledge relevant to the biological management of a golf course such as soil science and plant protection.

Example modules include:

Understanding Golf Tourism
Managing Structures and Non-Turf Areas on a Golf Course
Project Management
Managing Turf Playing Performance
Human Resource Management

Student experience

While working seasonally at the St Andrews Links courses, Peteris Sadovskis' employer recommended the greenkeeping course at Elmwood. He enjoyed that course so much that he went on to complete the HNC in Golf Course Management, then the HND through distance learning.

"I really enjoyed learning in a class environment," he said. "And the background knowledge I gained there made the transition to distance learning easier.”

Peteris is now employed as a full-time Greenkeeper at the New & Jubilee Courses at St Andrews Links. He said: “I am very happy and proud to be working on one of the oldest Golf Courses in the World.”

I want to be as professional as I can and I never want to leave the environment of the golf course.”

Peteris Sadovskis

Fees and funding

Eligible full-time students studying HND Golf Management (Course) should apply to SAAS for fees and funding. A student loan is also available to help students with living costs.

If you do not apply, you will have to pay your fees yourself and if you have studied at HNC/D/degree level before SAAS may not pay your fees.

More information about funding your course

Find out more about your payment options for this course in our fees and funding section

Fees & funding

Other possible routes to funding

Care experienced bursary: There are a number of bursaries available to care-experienced students studying full time. Find out more from our student funding teams at: registryfunding@SRUC.ac.uk
Discretionary fund
- SAAS student bursary
- Care Experienced Accommodation Grant
- Childcare
- Going further bursary
- RUK bursary (for students from outside Scotland)
- The Gregor Thomas Royan Lamb Bursary for Future Farmers
- Centenary bursary
- Change your path bursary

HND Golf Management

Apply now