Why Choose African Turf Academy
- Internationally Recognised
- Industry Experts
- Study Anywhere
- Practical Knowledge
- Certificate on Completion
- Career Opportunities Worldwide
African Turf Academy provides the only internationally recognized greenkeeping qualifications in Africa and our programmes are designed for those who are passionate about the understanding of managing a golf course and sports fields in general.
With a growing international presence, African Turf Academy graduates proudly bring expertise, knowledge, hard work and passion wherever they operate.
We have now opened up our qualifications so they are available online and we hope you enjoy your journey studying with us with the African Turf Academy online courses.
African Turf Academy Greenkeeping Courses
Our top selling individual Greenkeeping Qualification Courses are listed below.
Eash can be followed as an individual course or you can enroll in the full International Greenkeeping Qualification.
The International Greenkeeping Qualification is a two-year full-time programme of study running in conjunction with the Tour Player Programme. With the added full qualification in Sports and Golf Management. On successful completion of their studies, students receive an internationally recognised National Certificate in Greenkeeping from the Elmwood College, St Andrews, Scotland and a National Diploma in Sports and Golf Management from the South African Qualifications Authority.
Scotland's Rural College (SRUC) - International Accreditation for your completed course.
- Did you know the bundle once completed can lead to SRUC accreditation? You can learn more about SRUC here.
- Once you have completed this bundle course or the 9 courses of the African Turf Academy Greenkeeping Courses you can request an assessment for the SRUC accreditation.
What Our Students Say
Kifentse Nukeri - Class of 2018 & 2019
"I'm from a very humble family background and my experience at African Turf Academy really changed my mindset that I can help my family and I succeed in life. I would like to thank Andrew McKenna, Derek Daly and everyone at African Turf Academy, including the opportunities I had with the R&A, Sports & Recreation and the Ernie Els and Fancourt Foundation!"
Willem van der Merwe - Class of 2018 & 2019
"I learnt so much at African Turf Academy, I highly recommend it to anyone. I am now very well prepared for my role at Silver Lakes Golf Estate. My experience also gave me the confidence to apply for opportunities in the United States with one of African Turf Academy's partners."
Our Team
Hi, I’m Andrew McKenna
Andrew is the Founder and Managing Director of African Turf Academy. He brings over 25 years' experience in managing and optimising golf management solutions. Andrew's core focus has always been driving growth and clearly-defined business strategies in the golf industry with phenomenal success.
Hi, I’m Nikki Curtayne
Nikki is the Director of Education at African Turf Academy. He has 20 years’ experience as Superintendent/ Golf Course Manager at several clubs locally and abroad. Nikki enjoys the outdoors and utilises the golf course as his classroom for the students.
Our Partners
Silver Lakes Golf Estate
Silver Lakes is the home of the African Turf Academy facilities and provides a wonderful setting for our students to learn. Situated in the east of Pretoria in South Africa’s Gauteng province.
Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC)
SRUC Elmwood supports African Turf Academy with the curriculum of our students.
The R&A
The R&A have been supporters of African Turf Academy for many years and provide us with financial support on an annual basis to continually improve our facilities and offerings. The R&A organises The Open, golf’s oldest Major, along with several other amateur and junior events.
Rain Bird Corporation
Rain Bird irrigation provide the African Turf Academy with equipment, financial and training support in the irrigation section of our learning programme.
John Deere
John Deere is one of the market leaders in machine manufacturing for various different sectors including but not limited to agriculture. construction, landscaping, forestry and sports turf and golf. John Deere leads the way in innovation and sustainability and we at African Turf Academy is proud to be associated with a company who's core values are growth through sustainability and inspiring others towards a sustainable future.
Bernhard and Company
Bernhard have provided the African Turf Academy with equipment for learning and will continue to assist in providing African Turf Academy students with opportunities in the industry while they study and after graduation to enter the industry. Bernhard and Company Limited are the leaders in the sharpening systems market and one of the world’s most influential forces in the presentation and quality of turf grass.
Golf RSA
Golf RSA is the governing body administering, operating and providing service to amateur golf in South Africa. Their role is to look after the interests of more than 460 golf clubs and 139 000 men, women, boy and girl club members, produce champion golfers and provide the opportunity for everyone in South Africa to experience the game of golf.
Titleist
With a pedigree going back 80 years, Titleist is one of the most respected brands in golf, providing tournament class balls, clubs, bags and accessories to professional and amateur golfers across the globe. Utilising advanced equipment fitting methods, detailed swing analysis, and science-based player conditioning, Titleist is African Turf Academy's preferred fitting partner.