Contact Us
Alan Owen – HGTC Instructor for USGA Greenkeeper Apprenticeship Program
Horry-Georgetown Technical College (HGTC) proudly announces the appointment of Alan Owen as the new instructor for its highly anticipated USGA Greenkeeper Apprenticeship Program (GAP). Owen, a distinguished industry professional, will officially join HGTC in December, bringing decades of expertise and an impressive resume to his new role.
Owen's career highlights include significant contributions at Pinehurst Resort, where he played pivotal roles during the back-to-back U.S. Men’s and Women’s Opens in 2014 and the U.S. Amateur in 2019. For the past three years, Owen has managed SiteOne Landscape Supply's facility in Aberdeen, NC. A native of England, he studied at Myerscough College and completed his own greenkeeping apprenticeship at the iconic Royal Birkdale Golf Club, host to 10 British Opens.
"We are thrilled to welcome Alan Owen to the HGTC family as we prepare to launch the USGA Greenkeeper Apprenticeship Program," said Dr. Marilyn “Murph” Fore, President of HGTC. "His unparalleled expertise and passion for the industry will undoubtedly inspire our students and elevate our program to national prominence. At HGTC, we are committed to meeting workforce demands with innovative solutions, and Alan’s leadership ensures we’re on the path to great success."
In his full-time position at HGTC, Owen will educate and train hourly golf course maintenance workers, or greenkeepers, for fulfilling careers in the field. GAP, which debuted at Pinehurst in 2022 under the guidance of the USGA, addresses labor shortages in the golf industry by offering aspiring greenkeepers a year of coursework in agronomy and botany, combined with a paid, 2,000-hour apprenticeship. The program is tuition-free and aims to build a skilled workforce for golf facilities nationwide.
“We’re very excited that Alan is joining us. He will be a tremendous asset to the program,” said Jim Huntoon, Professor of Golf and Sports Turf Management at HGTC. “Finding the right candidate took a little longer than we anticipated, but we’re confident Alan’s arrival will set the program on a fast track to success.”
Owen’s hiring marks a special reunion with Huntoon, as the two professionals first crossed paths during an internship at Pinehurst in 2000. The launch date for the GAP program at HGTC will be announced soon, with Owen taking the lead in preparing the curriculum and building partnerships with local golf courses. His appointment reflects HGTC’s ongoing commitment to innovation and excellence in workforce development.
For more information about the USGA Greenkeeper Apprenticeship Program and HGTC’s Golf and Sports Turf Management programs, please visit Golf and Sports Turf Management.