DJ McClellan, a volunteer apprentice at Pinehurst No. 2 for the 2024 U.S. Open, is responsible for monitoring soil-moisture levels on the putting surfaces. McClellan, a North Carolina native, has had a varied career, starting in agriculture as a teenager and later working in law enforcement before discovering his passion for golf-course maintenance through the USGA’s Greenskeeper Apprentice Program (GAP).
The golf course maintenance industry has been facing challenges in finding and retaining talent, as reported by the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America. Many maintenance jobs offer low pay and little room for advancement, leading to workforce issues. The GAP program aims to address these challenges by providing tuition-free education and on-the-job training for aspiring turf professionals, allowing them opportunities for growth and advancement in the industry.
After a successful pilot run last year, the USGA and donors have committed another $1 million to fund education for the GAP program at Sandhills Community College and Horry-Georgetown Technical College. McClellan, a member of the 2024 class, has risen to the role of foreman at Pinehurst No. 1 and is assisting with the care of Pinehurst No. 2 during the U.S. Open.
Matt Fick, another GAP program participant, has found his passion for golf-course maintenance through the program. Starting his career in residential and commercial lawn care, Fick transitioned into a role as a spray technician at a private club in Augusta before enrolling in the GAP program. Both McClellan and Fick have aspirations of becoming superintendents in the future and are dedicated to their roles during the U.S. Open.
The apprentices at Pinehurst No. 2 are working long hours, starting before dawn and ending after dark, to ensure the course is tournament-ready. Their dedication to their roles and their passion for golf-course maintenance is evident in their commitment to the job. McClellan and Fick, along with other GAP program participants, are gaining valuable experience and knowledge that will prepare them for future leadership roles in the industry.
The USGA’s GAP program is providing a pathway for aspiring turf professionals to enter and advance in the golf-course maintenance industry. By offering tuition-free education and on-the-job training, the program is addressing the challenges of workforce shortages and providing opportunities for growth and development for individuals like McClellan and Fick. These apprentices are dedicated to their roles and are making meaningful contributions to the care of Pinehurst No. 2 during the U.S. Open.
As the industry continues to evolve and face challenges in finding and retaining talent, programs like the GAP initiative are essential in developing a skilled workforce for the future of golf-course maintenance. By investing in education and training for aspiring professionals, the program is helping to create opportunities for individuals to build successful careers in the industry. McClellan, Fick, and their fellow apprentices represent the next generation of leaders in golf-course maintenance, showcasing their passion and dedication to their craft during the U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2.
