World-Class Training for Assistant Superintendents

Celebrating 20 Years of Developing Turf’s Future Leaders

Green Start Academy is a premier leadership and development program co-hosted by Envu, John Deere, and Rain Bird, designed exclusively for assistant superintendents who are ready to take the next step in their careers.

Since its founding in 2005, Green Start Academy has helped shape the future of the golf industry by providing rising professionals with the tools, knowledge, and connections they need to thrive. And in 2025, we’re proud to celebrate the 20th anniversary of this industry-leading program.

A Legacy of Leadership

For 20 years, the goal of Green Start Academy has been clear:

To build a strong foundation for the careers of assistant superintendents while supporting the long-term success of golf courses and the broader turfgrass industry. Through a combination of networking, professional development courses, and interactive peer groups, participants leave Green Start Academy with not only new skills, but new relationships and confidence.

What to Expect from the Program

The Academy includes:

Expert-led educational sessions featuring top superintendents and turf industry leaders
Hands-on workshops focused on real-world challenges and solutions
Mentorship opportunities with respected professionals from across the golf industry
Networking events that connect participants with peers and industry innovators

The 20th Anniversary Experience

In 2025, we’ll honor two decades of excellence with:

Special alumni panels featuring Green Start graduates who are now leading the industry
Expanded programming to reflect today’s evolving challenges and opportunities
Exclusive insights from co-hosting partners Envu, John Deere, and Rain Bird

Join the Next Generation of Turf Leaders

Green Start Academy is more than a program -- it's a career-defining experience. If you're an assistant superintendent with a passion for growth, leadership, and excellence, we invite you to be part of the 20th anniversary class.

A World-Class Setting for a World-Class Experience

Green Start Academy 2025 will take place at the renowned Pinehurst Resort in North Carolina -- home of the legendary Pinehurst No. 2, which hosted the 2024 U.S. Open. This iconic venue sets the perfect stage for learning, networking, and inspiration as you grow your career among the very best in the industry.

We’re looking for the top 50 assistant superintendents. Are you one of them?

The program is open to assistant superintendents in the U.S. and Canada only. Please note that previous Green Start Academy participants are not eligible to apply for the academy program, with the exception of the 2020 virtual class who may reapply for consideration in this year’s or a future in-person program. (Note: Application does not guarantee acceptance.) Applications must be received by 5:00 PM EDT Sunday August 1, 2025.

The application link will take you to a GCSAA login page. You must have a GCSAA online account to access the application form. To log in, please use your current GCSAA login information. If you don't have a GCSAA online account, it only takes a moment to create one.

Apply now

Are you an Alumni or past Mentor? If so, join our new LinkedIn Group.

Program Timeline

Application period: June 12 - August 1
Panelist evaluation period: August 2 – August 29
Selection notification: Early September
Program: December 2 – 4

“The importance of networking and camaraderie is everything in this business, I was telling my group today that’s the key to moving up in my opinion.”
– Todd Bohn – Director of Agronomy, Desert Mountain Club

“I think the big things they can look forward to taking back is just the wealth of knowledge.”
– Stephen Tucker, Director of Golf Maintenance and operations, Four Seasons Orlando

“The Green Start Academy is a great platform for these young professionals to learn a little bit more about leadership. They’ve been to all the agronomic classes and talked aerification and top dressing. Here, we are talking about leadership and the future of the industry. The next generation of turf grass leaders are in this room.”
– John Cunningham General Manager, Grandfather Mountain Golf and Country Club.