Central Otago turf management students helped to prepare the grounds for one of the country's premium sporting events this week - and they have only just begun their studies.

The New Zealand Open tees off at Millbrook Resort today, with the sporting codes elite taking to the green in the hopes of victory.

More than 150 golfers are taking part in the four day tournament, played on two 18-hole championship courses.

Seven first year students studying the NZ certificate in horticulture (sports turf) at 

Otago Polytechnic's Central Campus in Cromwell gained valuable hands-on experience, working among the pro golfers and celebrities playing practice rounds.

The students spent Tuesday filling divots with seed, sand and learning some tricks of the trade to help present the courses for the prestigious tournament.

First year Sports Turf Management students from Otago Polytechnic's Central Campus assist with preparations at one of Millbrook Resort's golf courses, ahead of the New Zealand Open which starts on Thursday. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

Head of the sports turf management course John Prunnell said work experience opportunities do not come much better.

"The students get a full day inside the ropes, working alongside experienced greenkeepers at the biggest golf tournament on the national calendar."

They also had the opportunity to chat with James O'Malley, Millbrook's dedicated golf course superintendent.

James has worked at the resort for more than two decades, and enjoys taking time out of the busy preparation period to meet with the students.

The Cromwell-based course is the only fulltime, face to face turf management programme in the country. It takes 18 months to complete, which includes a 6 month paid work placement at some of New Zealand’s top sporting venues.

John described sports turf management as "half-art, half science."  

Otago Polytechnic’s graduates were highly sought after in the industry, he said.

Former graduates now working as superintendents or turf managers around the country include Jayden Tohill at Hagley Oval, and Steve Tsukigawa at the NZ Cricket High Performance Centre in Lincoln, Dylan Griffin at Tara Iti Golf Club (Mangawhai), Matt McCombe at The Basin Reserve.

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