2027 National Turfgrass Science Invitational
Put your FFA team’s turf knowledge to the test: a knowledge exam, case studies and hands-on practicums at a New Orleans golf course. Registration is free.
Register a teamNational FFA Endorsed Activity
Support provided by
What is the National Turfgrass Science Invitational?
The Turfgrass Science competition will alternate between the national conferences of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) and the 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. The event handbook will be available soon.
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 the GCSAA Conference and Trade Show.
Registration for the competition is free.
Get registered
Registration for the competition is free.
- Tuesday, Sept. 22Conference registration opens. Register a team (opens in a new tab)
- Tuesday, Sept. 22Conference housing opens. Book housing (opens in a new tab)
- Monday, Oct. 26Virtual team orientation. Watch the recording (opens in a new tab) or view the slides (opens in a new tab)
Invitational schedule
Registration hours, orientation and every session, by day.
- Registration and badge pickup
7 a.m.-6 p.m., New Orleans Convention Center, Halls D-E and E-1
- Registration and badge pickup
7 a.m.-6 p.m., New Orleans Convention Center, Halls D-E and E-1 - Head to orientation
3:30-4 p.m. - NTSI orientation
4-5 p.m., New Orleans Convention Center, Room 223
- Welcome, announcements and assignments
7:45-8 a.m., Rooms 340-341 - First round of test taking and case studies
8-9:30 a.m. Knowledge test in Rooms 338-339, case study prep in Rooms 333-337. - Second round of test taking and case studies
9:30-11 a.m. Knowledge test in Rooms 338-339, case study prep in Rooms 333-337. - Educator professional development session
8-11 a.m., Rooms 343-344 - Load bus for Timberlane Golf and Recreation
11:15 a.m., meet in Hall F lobby - Lunch
Noon, arrive at Timberlane Golf and Recreation - Practicums at golf course
1-4:30 p.m.
- NTSI winner announcements
10:15-10:30 a.m., Industry Stage, trade show floor
Invitational resources
Guides, orientation and practice materials for your team. The handbook and case studies are the 2026 versions until the 2027 updates are posted.