GreenKeeper University celebrates first graduating class

Superintendent Scott Denil of Pine Meadow Golf Club (Mundelein, IL) with his GreenKeeper University Diploma. (Photo: Scott Denil)

GreenKeeper University (GKU), an online program that offers agronomists turfgrass science courses, recently celebrated its first graduating class.

The first five graduates of the program include:

• Scott Denil, superintendent at Pine Meadow Golf Club, Mundelein, Ill.
• Patrick Sauder, CEO at Renovita Wilen GmbH, Wil SG, St. Gallen, Switzerland
• Joseph St. Lawrence, superintendent at Farmington Country Club, Milton, N.H.
• Andrew Porubiansky, superintendent at Piedmont Driving Club, Carrollton, Ga.
• Jake Dunn, superintendent at Forest Hills Golf Course, Onalaska, Wis.

“The knowledge I gained from GKU has been invaluable to my growth here at my facility,” Denil said. “The support from all the instructors at GKU exceeded all expectations. Relationships and assistance didn’t end when the classes were over. The projects/assignments were geared so you could apply them to your location. That was a big help in grasping the concepts presented. I am a much-improved superintendent because of GKU.”

The program offered courses on topics including plant growth regulators, management and communication, irrigation and diseases in both warm- and cool-season turfgrasses.