World-Class Training for Assistant Superintendents

Green Start Academy is a leadership and development program co-hosted by Envu, John Deere and Rain Bird.

Since 2006, the goal of this program has been to help assistant superintendents build a strong foundation for their careers as well as to support the future of golf courses and the entire golf industry by offering growth through networking, professional development courses and interactive peer groups.

Each year’s program features educational and mentoring sessions from some of the most respected superintendents and leaders across the industry. The Academy is a chance to forge connections and skills that can last a lifetime.

We’re looking for the top 50 assistant superintendents.
Are you one of them?

The application period for the 2025 Green Start Academy class opens June 12, 2025.

The program is open to assistant superintendents in the U.S. and Canada only. Please note that previous Green Start Academy participants are not eligible to apply for the academy program, with the exception of the 2020 virtual class who may reapply for consideration in this year’s or a future in-person program. (Note: Application does not guarantee acceptance.) Applications must be received by 5:00 PM EDT Sunday August 1, 2025.

Are you an Alumni or past Mentor? If so, join our new LinkedIn Group.

2025 Program Timeline

Application period: June 12 – August 1, 2025
Panelist evaluation period: August 2 – August 29, 2025
Selection notification: Early September 2025
Program: December 2 – 4, 2025

man standing a podium holding microphone

“The importance of networking and camaraderie is everything in this business, I was telling my group today that’s the key to moving up in my opinion.”
– Todd Bohn – Director of Agronomy, Desert Mountain Club

“I think the big things they can look forward to taking back is just the wealth of knowledge.”
– Stephen Tucker, Director of Golf Maintenance and operations, Four Seasons Orlando

“The Green Start Academy is a great platform for these young professionals to learn a little bit more about leadership. They’ve been to all the agronomic classes and talked aerification and top dressing. Here, we are talking about leadership and the future of the industry. The next generation of turf grass leaders are in this room.”
– John Cunningham General Manager, Grandfather Mountain Golf and Country Club.