Trent Manning has cultivated a career deeply rooted in the turf industry, specializing in turf equipment management. With over 30 years of experience and countless miles traveled to all shapes and sizes of golf course maintenance facilities, Trent has honed his skills and expertise and formed lasting relationships, leading to his significant contributions to the field of turf equipment management.
Summary of Qualifications:
- Trent holds certificates in small engines, electrical systems, and reel theory from Gwinnett Technical College, showcasing his technical proficiency in equipment maintenance and repair.
- He has completed the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) Equipment Management Certificate Program Levels 1 and 2, earning recognition as a Certified Turf Equipment Manager (CTEM).
- During his tenure as a mobile service technician for a Toro Distributor, Trent obtained certificates from the Equipment & Engine Training Council (EETC) in Electrical, Hydraulic, Four Stroke Engines, Compact Diesel Engines, and Toro Certificate of Achievement – Toro Systems further expanding his knowledge base.
- Trent is committed to sharing his expertise with others, engaging with national and international audiences through seminars and educational initiatives.
- He actively contributes to the development of equipment manager education within his local chapter, the Georgia Golf Course Superintendents Association (GGCSA), and has served on the Equipment Manager Task Group for the GCSAA.
- In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the field, Trent was named the Most Valuable Technician by the GCSAA and GCM magazine in partnership with Foley Company in 2018.
- Trent is also the creator and host of the Reel Turf Techs podcast, one of the turf industry’s most popular podcasts and the only one dedicated to turf equipment management..
- In 2022, Trent was honored with the prestigious Edwin Budding Award, further solidifying his reputation as a leader and innovator in golf course equipment management. The Edwin Budding Award recognizes an equipment manager or related innovator, technician or engineer who has made a significant impact on the golf course and turf industry.
Professional Experience:
- Ansley Golf Club & Settindown Creek Golf Club: Equipment Manager
- Trent has served as an equipment manager at both Ansley Golf Club and Settindown Creek Golf Club
- Jerry Pate Company
- Mobile Service Technician, covering GA, AL.
- Fore Front Construction
- Heavy Equipment Mechanic
- Athletic Turf Management
- Project Manager
Education and Certifications:
- Certificates in Small Engines, Electrical Systems, and Reel Theory from Gwinnett Technical College
- Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) Equipment Management Certificate Program Levels 1 and 2
- Certified Turf Equipment Manager (CTEM)
- Equipment & Engine Training Council (EETC) Certificates in Electrical, Driveline/Hydraulic, Four Stroke Engines, and Compact Diesel Engines
- Toro Certificate of Achievement – Toro Systems
Professional Affiliations:
- Georgia Golf Course Superintendents Association (GGCSA)
- Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA)
- Trent has presented at numerous professional events, including:
- GCSAA Conference & Trade Show
- Georgia GCSA
- Nebraska GCSA
- New England Turfgrass Foundation
- Michigan GCSA
- Alabama GCSA
- Alberta GCSA
- And more
Tournament Volunteering:
- Tour Championship 2011-2019, 2021, 2022
- 100th PGA Championship at Bellerive 2018
- The Players 2023
- The Travelers 2023
- Bahamas Great Exuma Classic 2024