With the rise of dedicated turf education courses in recent times, the calibre of graduates increases from year to year, which makes this award one of the most difficult to judge. The ASTMA Graduate of the Year Award for Golf Course is special in that it gives an indication of where the future of the industry lies. Today's recipients will be tomorrow's superintendents and turf managers and will ultimately go on to play a major role in the development and direction of golf course maintenance in this country.

For the lucky graduate, the award provides a huge boost, helping to launch their career in the best possible way. With Toro on board as Award sponsor for since 2004, a lucrative education package also goes the way of the winner.

Selection Criteria

The structure of the ASTMA Graduate of the Year Award for Golf Courses changed in 2004 and now nominees come directly from the winner of individual State Associations' Graduate awards programs. To be eligible, students must have graduated from their studies in the previous 12 months and be the State Graduate of the Year.

In deciding upon who wins national honours, the judging panel will consider the graduate's academic achievements, career aspirations, ambassadorial skills and how winning the award will assist the graduate in meeting their career ambitions.  

All finalists will be judged by an independent panel consisting of currernt Superintendents, industry experts, ASTMA Board Members and Sports Turf Management teachers. The finalists will be required to give a presentation on their Apprenticeship, turf management practices and theories, and undertake a series of questions from the judging panel forming the overall assessment of the Graduate of the Year.