How do you teach golf course agronomy to your staff and customers?

2 Use visual aids and demonstrations

The second step to teaching golf course agronomy is to use visual aids and demonstrations to illustrate and reinforce your explanations. For example, you can use charts, diagrams, photos, or videos to show the differences between turfgrass species, soil types, or pest and disease symptoms. You can also use samples, tools, or equipment to show how they are used and what they do. For example, you can show a core sample of the soil profile, a soil moisture meter, a soil test kit, a fertilizer spreader, or a mower blade. You can also demonstrate how to perform some tasks, such as taking a soil sample, calibrating a sprayer, or adjusting a mower height.

3 Provide hands-on opportunities and feedback

The third step to teaching golf course agronomy is to provide hands-on opportunities and feedback to your staff and customers. For example, you can invite them to participate in some activities, such as collecting clippings, measuring green speed, or applying fertilizer. You can also ask them to observe and report on some conditions, such as soil moisture, turf color, or weed presence. You can also give them feedback on their performance, such as praising their accuracy, correcting their mistakes, or suggesting improvements.

4 Encourage questions and curiosity

The fourth step to teaching golf course agronomy is to encourage questions and curiosity from your staff and customers. For example, you can ask them open-ended questions, such as what they notice, what they wonder, or what they want to learn more about. You can also answer their questions, or direct them to reliable sources of information, such as books, websites, or podcasts. You can also share your own experiences, challenges, and successes, and invite them to share theirs.

5 Make it fun and relevant

The fifth step to teaching golf course agronomy is to make it fun and relevant for your staff and customers. For example, you can use humor, stories, or analogies to make your explanations more engaging and memorable. You can also use games, quizzes, or competitions to make your activities more interactive and rewarding. You can also use examples, scenarios, or case studies to make your topics more applicable and relatable to their own situations and interests.

6 Keep it simple and clear

The sixth and final step to teaching golf course agronomy is to keep it simple and clear for your staff and customers. For example, you can use simple and familiar words, avoid jargon and acronyms, and define any technical terms that you use. You can also use short and simple sentences, avoid complex and confusing concepts, and repeat and summarize the main points. You can also use clear and consistent formats, such as bullet points, headings, or numbers, to organize and present your information.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?