Event for high schools will take place at the 2025 GCSAA Conference and Trade Show in San Diego

Lawrence, Kan. (Sept. 3, 2024) – The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) and FFA have announced an agreement to provide a competitive event for high school agricultural education students that emphasizes skills in turfgrass science

The 2025 National Turfgrass Science Invitational will take place Feb. 3-5 during the GCSAA Conference and Trade Show in San Diego, with participants having access to professional development opportunities at the conference and trade show in addition to the competition.

During the event, competitors will engage in individual and team activities on topics such as turfgrass identification, playing surface set-up, equipment operation and best management practices. They will also travel to a San Diego-area golf course for practicums, which test the hands-on and observational skills of the competitors.

“This collaboration between GCSAA and FFA gives high school students the chance to see the career opportunities that exist in the turf industry,” GCSAA CEO Rhett Evans said. “We are looking forward to hosting the invitational and continuing to collaborate with FFA in the future.”

The 2025 National Turfgrass Science Invitational is endorsed by FFA and open to FFA members. Registration is now open at gcsaaconference.com/gcsaa-turfgrass-science. The winners of the competition will be announced Feb. 5 during the GCSAA Trade Show.

As part of the agreement, the event will alternate between the conferences of GCSAA and the Sports Field Management Association (SFMA). GCSAA will next host the event in 2027.

GCSAA members may be contacted by FFA students wanting to visit their courses to prepare for the invitational, and GCSAA encourages its members to welcome the students if possible. If GCSAA members have questions or want to get more involved with FFA, contact Leann Cooper, GCSAA director, First Green and workforce development at 800-472-7878, ext. 3648, or at lcooper@gcsaa.org.

"We are excited to partner with GCSAA to provide FFA members with the opportunity to connect with industry leaders, develop essential career skills, and explore the turf industry,” said Christine White, chief program officer, National FFA Organization.  “This event will be a transformative experience, and we look forward to the impact our members will make in the future."

To learn more about the 2025 National Turfgrass Science Invitational, visit gcsaaconference.com/gcsaa-turfgrass-science.