My name is Patrick Andrews, and I graduated earlier this month from The Ohio State University with a bachelor’s of science degree in turfgrass science. Before that, I earned an associate degree at Ohio State ATI in horticulture in 2020.

During the past four years, I have been able to build a large professional network. In 2019, I worked at Bob O’Link Golf Club in Highland Park, Illinois with director of agronomy Scott Pavalko. My 2020 internship was at Merion Golf Club in Ardmore, Pennsylvania, under Paul B. Latshaw. These two internships took place before I transferred to Ohio State's main campus in Columbus.

After returning to Ohio, I started work at Muirfield Village Golf Club in Dublin, Ohio, at the tail end of their major renovation under Chad Mark, director of grounds operations. My final internship took place in 2021 at Vineyard Golf Club on Martha’s Vineyard under superintendent Kevin Banks. These courses, along with several tournament volunteer opportunities, allowed me to learn from some amazing people.

Right when I thought my time with OSU was coming to a close, I met Mike O’Keeffe, manager of the Ohio Program. Mike introduced me to the idea of working abroad as an Ohio State turf intern. Together, we decided that I would spend five months at Adare Manor in Ireland. A few weeks later, I received a call from Dr. Ed Nangle, my mentor from Ohio State ATI, telling me that my travels were being extended for five months after that with Brian Palmer at Tara Iti Golf Club in New Zealand.

Over the next year, I hope to learn many new turf management practices, as well as being able to explore Ireland and New Zealand. I would like to thank Mike O'Keeffe for his guidance and TurfNet for giving me the opportunity to tell my story.