Silverado Resort in Napa, Calif., hosted a First Green field trip with Vichy Elementary School on September 5. Nearly 50 fifth-grade students attended the field trip to learn about soils, cool tools, water management, soil sensors and the golf swing. 

The trip was organized by David Walter, Silverado Resort director of agronomy, and his wife Kayla, who serves as a PGA/LPGA professional at the resort.  It marked the second field trip that Silverado hosted for Vichy Elementary.

PGA TOUR agronomist Blake Meentemeyer taught a station on soils introducing students to the soil triangle, viewing soil profiles and discussing the importance of sand to a golf course. They also had the opportunity to learn how to properly rake a bunker. 

Jose Tena, Silverado assistant superintendent, conducted a cool tools on the green demo. Jose demonstrated cup cutting, use of the Stimpmeter, firmness meter, how to properly repair a ball mark and the kids had the chance to sit on various pieces of maintenance equipment. 

Bri Kenny, manager of environmental science with Troon Golf, conducted a station on water management and conservation. The kids had the opportunity to hand water a tee, which proved to be one of the most popular activities of the day. 

Lorabeth Catterson with Syngenta provided the students with a hands-on opportunity to install a soil moisture sensor and look at readings using a cell phone. The kids enjoyed the opportunity to use the cup cutter and see some of the newest technologies that Lorabeth employs in the field. 

Lastly, Silverado PGA teaching professional Matt Dito provided instruction on the full swing, allowing all the students the opportunity to hit full shots. For many, it marked their introduction to the game of golf.  

Following the learning stations, the kids were treated to a lunch of pizza, brownies and lemonade in the resorts garden as well as GCSAA swag bags and Silverado golf caps. 

A big thank you from GCSAA to David and Kayla for putting together a great day and to all the volunteers who helped make it successful. Visit the First Green website for more information.