Future Turf Managers Initiative (FTMI) - Supported by Jacobsen and Power Turf 

Applications open - Closing date 22 September 2025!

The NZGCSA recognises the importance of preparing sports turf managers to continue personal and professional development, in order to advance their careers and develop the capabilities for Leadership positions. 

The Future Turf Managers Initiative (FTMI) is a world-wide program developed and operated by Jacobsen, successfully delivering education to future leaders in the turf industry.

Working with professional trainers, industry leading mentors, Jacobsen and ASTMA staff, candidates are provided training and knowledge relating to Management and Leadership, and leave FTMI with a clear understanding of what the future holds, an understanding of the expectations that come with the role of a Leader, and practical skills to develop their career in the a future leader in the sports turf management industry.

Together, the NZGCSA, ASTMA and Jacobsen have been offering this highly successful training opportunity to Australian and New Zealand turf management staff since 2016 with over 175 candidates selected to be a part of the program to date and with almost half of all participants in the past 5 years being promoted onto a more senior role.

FTMI Program Details

The FTMI Program is completely FREE for all participants

The FTMI program focuses on personal and professional development, rather than agronomy based subjects and provides those involved access to industry experts, leading facilitators, mentors and trainers.  It is an intensive program that is designed to give a clear understanding of what is required to be a manager and the skills needed to achieve that goal.

A Focus on Professional Development

The 2025/26 FTMI will be a combined online learning and face to face education model, taking place over 5 months, culminating in an intensive live in 2.5 day program including graduation ceremony in March 2026.

Example of content that may be covered in the FTMI workshops include:

  • Presentation Skills

  • Effective Communication

  • Leadership and Professionalism

  • Interview Preparation and Techniques

  • Developing a Resume

  • Working with and leading a team

  • Financial Acumen - Building and Managing a Budget

  • Becoming a Leader

Sessions will be presented by keynote speakers, established and respected superintendents/course managers (mentors) and other industry professionals.  Content and the agenda will be determined by the ASTMA and Jacobsen and alters from year to year to keep pace with industry expectations and travel guidelines.

The hybrid delivery model requires a commitment from participants that they will attend all online sessions and the two and half day face to face team building and graduation event in Melbourne.

The FTMI on line modules should commence approx early November 2025. This commitment will include on line training during normal work hours in Australia so may be outside normal work hours due to time difference for NZGCSA attendees.

At the completion the online component there will be face to face workshops, team building exercises and a graduation dinner and ceremony which will be in Melbourne, Australia.

Note: NZGCSA eligibility criteria is slightly different to the ASTMA candidate eligibility criteria.

NZGCSA Candidates need to:

  • Be a NZGCSA member.

  • Be currently employed on a golf course.

  • Superintendent nominations are restricted to those with less than 5 years Superintendent level experience, or those who manage a staff of fewer than 3.

  • Have the full support of your employer and manager to take part in the program.

  • Hold a current Passport and be eligible to be able to enter Australia for the graduation in March 2026. 

For the opportunity to be one of the successful candidates selected for the 2025/2026 FTMI the following process is followed:

  • Complete and submit the online form application form https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FTMI2026 Use your NZGCSA membership number (can contact us for your NZGCSA membership number at nzgcsa@xtra.co.nz if you don’t know it) in the membership number field.

  • A list of the FTMI scenario questions can be downloaded HERE for your review before filling out the application form.

  • Advise your employer/Manager that they will be receiving a email asking them to fill in a supporting commitment form that outlines the expectations and to confirm the workplace support for you to take part in the program

  • Closing date for applications is 22 September 2025

Applications are only considered when both the fully completed application form and the supporting letter from your referee have been received.

NZ applications need to submitted on line via the application form on the ASTMA website. For more information about the FTMI Click Here. Eligibility for NZGCSA candidates are listed above and are slightly different to the ASTMA candidate requirements.

This is what attendees over the last couple of years have had to say about the FTMI.

Mason Calder - I believe this is a great opportunity for any aspiring superintendent. The skills you learn are invaluable. The people you meet through this course are incredibly helpful and have taught me some life long lessons I can utilise in my job.

Jordan Burgess - The FTMI was an opportunity I underestimated at the time of application. After going through the process and starting the online sessions with a bunch of like minded turf managers I realised how cool of a virtual room it was to be in. The lessons taken by all the speakers were so informative and post lesson catch ups were a perfect way to talk about this information and the different perspectives we had on it. All of this culminating in an intensive few days in Melbourne with in person lessons and a chance to meet outside of a zoom call. Plenty of great chats about turf and all things associated, as well as comparing sports team fandom. All in all an awesome experience I am very grateful to have been apart of and would encourage everyone in a position to apply, to go for it. I have found the whole FTMI experience, from application to actual course beneficial to my career since completing.

Liam Hewittson - The FTMI was a great experience that will certainly help me with my future career aspirations. The programme was a mix of online group sessions and culminated in a 3 day face to face session in Melbourne. The ability to learn from a whole range of guest speakers in relevant topics to career progression, bounce ideas and differing opinions off our group mentors and to network and make new relationships were huge benefits of this successful programme. For me, I’m hugely thankful to be a part of this, as it has allowed me to understand where next for my career and what goals I should set to get there. I encourage anyone looking to progress in the Turf Industry to apply for this outstanding course, as it will be a great stepping stone for anyone’s future in our diverse industry.

Kurt Thiele - I had an amazing experience taking part in the FTMI program. The online portion was exceptional on its own and set the standard for what was to come at the meet up in Melbourne, feeling honoured to be able to take part in such an inspiring programme full of engaging industry experts and fellow future managers all working towards improving themselves and uplifting others.