University of Delaware
04/06/2026 | Press release | Archived content
Behind the greens
Behind the greens
Article by Molly Schafer Photos by Monica Moriak and courtesy of John Apgar, John Jacob, Ian Williams and Ryan Sarnoski April 06, 2026
Plant and Soil Sciences' alumni, faculty and students get to work on the golf course
Before the pros tee off at the 2026 Masters Tournament or amateurs take their first swing on their local links, an entire industry lays the groundwork for the perfect golf course. It's a process that starts years in advance and involves landscape architects, irrigation designers, turfgrass managers and other professionals.
"People think our job is just showing up and mowing every day, but that's the easiest part of the job," said John Jacob, University of Delaware Class of 2000 alumnus and golf course superintendent at Deerfield Golf Club in Newark, Delaware.
Behind the scenes, these professionals rely heavily on science and technology to create a tranquil expanse of green. Designing and maintaining 200 acres of turf requires a variety of tools, including Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) technology, weather stations, soil laboratories, mathematical formulas and dozens of unique and specialized mowers.
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