The First Green Foundation

Of all the things that you did as a youngster in school, what do you remember the most? For me it was the field trips. Whether it was the trip to the Nabisco factory in first grade or the trip to the “Oregon Outback” in 7^th grade, each of those made an indelible mark in my mind. This is the mission of the First Green Foundation, to provide an outdoor learning experience for young children on a golf course that will be remembered for years to come.

Using the golf course as a laboratory, the First Green Foundation utilizes a STEM learning curriculum. STEM stands for science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The First Green Foundation will help golf course superintendents connect with local teachers and provide their golf courses as outdoor laboratories. The USGA, in partnership with Chevron, just awarded the First Green Foundation a $155,750 grant to expand the program into Southern California. Kimberly S. Erusha, Ph.D., managing director of the USGA Green Section, said in awarding the grant, “The goal of the Chevron-USGA partnership and our Eagles for Education funding is to make STEM more fun and engaging through the game of golf.

With this grant, the First Green Foundation will continue expansion into Oregon and Northern California as well as expanding further into Southern California. The First Green has expanded on its own to other parts of the country without the help of grants. Frank Tichenor, from Forest Hill Field Club in New Jersey, hosted his first field trip last year and said, “I have to say this was one of the best days I have ever spent on a golf course. I can't wait to do it again.” The Intermountain GCSA in Utah is going all in, and is starting fundraising soon to purchase superintendent resource kits for its members.

If there has ever been a program targeted at advocacy for the game of golf, this program fits the bill. It teaches students the benefits that golf provides to the environment and community. This enables superintendents to promote the game by way of dispelling myths as well as growing the game. Giving the children an introduction to golf at an early age will no doubt pay dividends down the road as we need to add more golfers to the sport.

Please consider hosting your own field trip. If you have any questions I am always available to help. You can contact me at: dphipps@gcsaa.org . You can also visit the First Green website at: www.thefirstgreen.org