Education

 

2025 National Turfgrass Science Invitational

National FFA Endorsed Activity

Welcome to the National Turfgrass Science Invitational and the GCSAA Conference and Trade Show! Please review the orientation packet for essential details.

What is a National Invitational?

FFA Emblem

The Turfgrass Science competition will alternate between the national conferences of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) and Sports Field Management Association (SFMA). During the conferences, participating FFA members and advisors will be offered both professional development and access to the trade show in addition to the competition.

Teams are not currently required to qualify at the local or state level to participate in this Invitational. Please review the handbook for competition rules.

The National FFA Organization continually revises National FFA Events to ensure they remain relevant to the industry, FFA members and the agricultural education classroom. In its effort to modernize and increase the number of quality experiences for FFA members, National FFA has created a new model to recognize endorsed activities with other organizations. The National Turfgrass Science Invitational is endorsed by National FFA, and open to FFA members. Recognition of winners and teams who competed at the invitational will be held in conjunction with GCSAA Conference and Trade Show.

Important dates

Registration is now closed


Registration for the competition is free. 

Invitational Schedule

  • Sunday, Feb. 2
    • 1-4 p.m. Registration and Badge Pickup, San Diego Convention Center, Lobby D
    • Monday, Feb. 3
      • 7 a.m. -6 p.m. Registration and Badge Pickup, San Diego Convention Center, Lobby D
      • 4 p.m. Event Orientation, Marriott Marquis Ballroom Ballroom F
    • Tuesday, Feb. 4
      • 7:45 - 8 a.m. Welcome, Announcements and Assignments Marriott Marquis Ballroom Ballroom F
      • 8- 9:30 a.m. First Round of Test Taking and Case Studies (Knowledge Test in Marriott Marquis Ballroom G, Case Study Prep in Marriott Marquis Carlsbad and Cardiff Rooms)
      • 9:30 - 11 a.m. Second Round of Test Taking and Case Studies (Knowledge Test in Marriott Marquis Ballroom G, Case Study Prep in Marriott Marquis Carlsbad and Cardiff Rooms)
      • 11:15 a.m. Load Bus for Marbella Country Club in Front of Marriott Marquis 
      • 12:30 p.m. Arrive at Marbella Country Club and Lunch
      • 1 - 4:30 p.m. Practicums at golf course
    • Wednesday, Feb. 5
      • 8 - 9:35 a.m. GCSAA Sunrise Opening Session Celebration, SDCC, Ballroom 20 
      • 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. Teacher/Student Professional Development, SDCC, Room 25C
      • 11:00 a.m.  National Turfgrass Science Invitational Team Winners, GCSAA Services, GCSAA Services Booth 3617, Trade Show Floor
      • 12 - 5 p.m. Tour trade show (no official functions)

    Invitational Resources

    If you have questions, contact:

    • Carson Letot, Ph.D. Event Superintendent, Turfgrass Science
    • Leann Cooper, GCSAA Director, First Green and Workforce Development