UNL student Riley Dinslage’s passion for golf leads to a major in turfgrass science
By Hayden Hudson
When Riley Dinslage started playing golf, he never thought it would lead to a passion for, of all things, grass. Now, as a senior turfgrass science major at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Dinslage has tended to the turf of PGA tournaments and Husker stadiums.
Growing up in O’Neill, Nebraska, Dinslage was always drawn to the outdoors. He was an active kid, spending his time hunting or with a fishing pole in hand. It wasn’t until his stepfather introduced him to golf that he started to think his love of the outdoors could turn into a career.
“I was out at the golf course a lot, so I always thought about going down that path of managing a golf course, but I didn’t really know if there was a program out there for it,” Dinslage said.
Now, he is in his senior year at UNL as a turfgrass science major. Through his academic experiences, Dinslage said he’s solidified his passion for turf science.
“I just kind of fell in love with it,” Dinslage said.
During the summer of 2024, Dinslage took an internship at the TPC Deere Run golf course in Moline, Illinois. During dewy early mornings, Dinslage said he could be found preparing holes, mowing greens and everything in between.
“Kind of just a jack of all trades, whatever they wanted to throw me on, I got thrown on it,” Dinslage said.
The internship also gave him opportunities for leadership. According to Dinslage, he led a project filling sand bunkers for a PGA tournament.
In addition, he works with Husker Athletics on its turf. Most notably, Dinslage said he has spent a lot of time tending to Hibner Stadium. He said the reactions from soccer fans make his job rewarding.
“Just having all the compliments come our way on game day, it’s a great feeling,” Dinslage said. “That’s what makes me feel attached to the turf industry.”
Dinslage is the recipient of the Clara S. Tillotson Memorial Scholarship, Keith Weidler Memorial Scholarship, Wayne and Geraldine Dankert Scholarship, Girardin Family Scholarship and Engler Scholarship. He said the financial assistance has been a tremendous help with paying for his education.
“I come from a family of five siblings, so there’s not a lot of tuition money to be thrown around,” Dinslage said.
