Palm Springs, CA | January 13 - 16, 2025
The 2025 Sports Field Management Association (SFMA) Conference was a blast and valuable opportunity for our turfgrass science students, staff, and faculty who attended this winter. Jake Miller, one of our SPS: Turfgrass Science students, was among those who attended and luckily, we had the chance to get his perspective on the conference.
Check out some highlights from Jake's experience attending the conference...
What were some highlights of SFMA?
Some of my highlights of SFMA include getting to meet and network with industry professionals, participating in the student challenge with my classmates, and walking around the trade show seeing all the new technology and equipment that is available.
What’s one of the most interesting things you learned?
Being on the golf side in the turf industry, going to SFMA really opened my eyes to the sports side of the industry. One of the most interesting things I learned was talking with sports field managers who were previously golf course superintendents and learning how growing grass on a sports field is different than growing grass on a golf course. I don't have any plans of switching to sports turf, but there are a lot of unique opportunities out there and it is always good to keep an open mind.
What advice would you give other students considering attending conferences like this?
I think going to conferences and industry events is really important, especially as a student. First off, it's an opportunity to visit and see a city you may never have been to before. The biggest thing I get out of going to events like this is networking with people. You never know who you might meet, and it could lead to a job opportunity that you always dreamed of. The turf industry is very small and tight knit so getting your name out there by networking can lead to a world of opportunities.
How’d you become interested in turf?
My father got a degree from Ohio State ATI in turf management, so I was exposed to the industry at a pretty young age. I started playing golf in middle school and always loved to be outside doing some kind of landscaping work. I worked on a small golf course throughout high school and originally went to school for high school math education. I knew I wanted to spend my days outside rather than in a classroom, so I pursued a degree and career path in turf.
WHAT's next after graduation?
When I graduate this spring, I will be doing a one-year internship called "Turf Across America." This internship consists of two 6-month internships and networking opportunities. The first 6 months, I will be working at Union League National Golf Club in New Jersey followed by a road trip across the country where I get to stop and meet superintendents and see some world-renowned courses. My final stop will be 6 months, working at PGA West in California.
Thank you and a big congrats to everyone who took the time to share their knowledge and learn from their peers at the 2025 SFMA Conference. We can't wait to see y'all next year in Fort Worth, TX, January 18 - 22, 2026!
Eager for more news from the 2025 SFMA Conference? You're in luck - check out the rest of the series here.