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?

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

• Tuesday, Sept. 24: Conference registration opens
• Tuesday, Sept. 24: Conference housing opens
• Wednesday, Oct. 30: Virtual team orientation 6 p.m.
• Watch the orientation video | orientation slides

Invitational Schedule

• Monday, Feb. 3
  • 4 p.m. Event Orientation, Marriott Marquis Ballroom TBD
• Tuesday, Feb. 4
  • 8 - 9:30 a.m. Knowledge Test, Marriott Marquis Ballroom TBD
    
  • 9:45 - 11:30 a.m. Case Studies, Marriott Marquis Ballroom TBD
  • 11:45 a.m.  Depart for golf course
  • 12:15 - 12:45 p.m. Boxed lunch at golf course
  • 1 - 5 p.m. Practicums at golf course
    
• Wednesday, Feb. 5
  • 8 - 9:35 a.m. GCSAA Sunrise Celebration, SDCC, Room TBD
    
  • 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. Student Professional Development, SDCC, Room TBD
  • 11:00 a.m.  National Turfgrass Science Invitational Team Winners, GCSAA Services, Trade Show Floor
  • 12 - 5 p.m. Tour trade show (no official functions)
    

Invitational Resources

• Housing
• Budget and Travel Guide
• Turfgrass Science Invitational Orientation Guide
• Turfgrass Science Invitational Handbook
• Turfgrass Science Practicums
• Turfgrass Science Case Studies

If you have questions, contact:

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