Randy Brehmer, CGCS, a 37-year GCSAA member and head superintendent at the Fort Golf Course in Indianapolis, Ind., hosted his second First Green field trip in just under a year’s time. In mid-September, 126 fourth graders from Crestview Middle School embarked on The Fort Golf Course (named after Fort Benjamin Harrison, in honor of the 23rd president) for a full day of STEM education and, of course, some fun. Soon after their arrival, students split off into groups and rotated through five learning stations which were set up on various areas of the course; these stations included:

• Determining surface area of a putting green, a triangle and a circle
• Understanding soil science and the different types of soil found in the area
• Learning about deer populations on Harrison State Park and The Fort Golf Course properties
• Practicing the full golf swing on the driving range
• Learning the putting stroke on the practice green

Golf courses are a great attribute to any community, not only economically, but also environmentally. Golf courses are home to an endless list of flora and fauna species both above and below the surface, and First Green field trips are a great way to teach students about the diverse ecosystems taking place near their homes. Randy Brehmer, CGCS, wanted to give kids an opportunity to learn first-hand at the golf course.

“We are involved with the program because it offers the kids hands-on learning experiences related to what they are learning in school and how it applies in the real world,” says Brehmer. “It also gives many of the kids their first chance to be on a golf course and see what it is all about.”

Golf course superintendents utilize STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education each day they step foot on the golf course, whether it’s calculating surface area or cubic volume, interpreting soil and tissue samples, or utilizing GPS and drone technology.

“We use STEM education practices every day from calculating surface areas of greens, tees, and fairways to the calculations needed for spray mixtures for plant protection applications,” says Brehmer. “Knowledge of soils and how they work help us to build correct profiles for all playing areas and for accurate application of water for irrigation. Everything we do reverts back to STEM Education”

This field trip not only exposes students to the game of golf and brings kids to the golf course — many for the first time — but it also allows students to see the work golf course superintendents do behind the scenes. One of the main attributes of First Green field trips is that it allows students the opportunity to see first-hand how they will use the lessons they are learning in the classroom in ‘real life’ situations.

 

Following the five morning stations, the students broke for lunch before coming into the clubhouse for a birds of prey demonstration, which was put on by naturalists from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. This year’s birds included a female red-tailed hawk and a female bald eagle. Sitting only feet away from these gorgeous animals is not only enthralling for the students but for the educators and industry professionals in the room, as well. I know I will never tire of being in the same room as our nation’s symbol.

 

The golf course management profession has always been a benign community where industry professionals are willing to lend a hand to another in need; First Green fields trips are no different. Plenty of industry representatives were on hand to help during the day, including superintendents, vendors and golf professionals. A big thank you to 6-year GCSAA member and Syngenta representative Troy Rippy for funding the bus costs on the day. Additional thanks go to 30-year GCSAA member Steve Biggers, 34-year member Brad Pugh, CGCS, 15-year GCSAA member Ryan Cummings, as well as Scott Calvert, Jim Held, Nikki Henderson, Bruce Rearick, John Swan and David Piper for volunteering their time and expertise to ensure a successful field trip.