20 San Diego GCSA members volunteer their time to assist with event

The second annual Farmers Insurance Open First Green Field Trip was hosted on Monday, Jan. 22 at Torrey Pines.  Seventy-six students from Millennial Tech were greeted by 20 volunteers from the San Diego GCSA for a day of STEM learning. 

Due to nearly 3 inches of rain in the San Diego area, the event had to be moved into an indoor ballroom from its original site on Torrey’s North Course. But in true superintendent fashion, our volunteers adapted to the situation and produced a great day of fun for the kids. 

Four learning stations and curriculums were developed by the volunteers including Water Conservation, Soils, Cool Tools on the Green and Plants. Kids had the chance to view Hunter Irrigation products, learn about POGO technology, golf course water management, use the stimpmeter (the floors of the Hilton Ballroom were running consistent and quick!) and view other tools used in the day-to-day operations of a golf facility. They had the opportunity to learn about soils and view their makeup through a microscope, learn about warm and cool season grasses as well as a view of a variety of native and invasive species that exist throughout the Torrey Pines Golf Course.   

The kids were also treated to a box lunch courtesy of The Century Club of San Diego and then were surprised with a special visit from PGA TOUR players Zac Blair, Kevin Streelman and APGA player Marcus Byrd. The players shared their golf journey and answered a variety of fun and interesting questions from the kids. 

The First Green field trip was a joint venture between GCSAA, San Diego GCSA, The Century Club of San Diego, Farmers Insurance, The City of San Diego Golf Division and the PGA TOUR. 

Special thanks to Jim Alwine, Paul Brown, Jon Cancel, Sandy Cooper, Jim Culley, Austin Daniells, Brian Darrock, Jim Davis, Robby Davis, Agustin Galvin, Kimberly Gard, Kevin Grangetto, Jon Kelly, Todd Kochanowski, Trevor Larsen, Kevin Little, Matt Partridge, Brendon Reaksecker, Pat Reilly, Bill Sinclair,  Marc Snyder and host superintendent Devin Cullen. Your efforts on behalf of GCSAA and the San Diego GCSA are truly appreciated.  

If you are interested in more information on First Green or are looking to host a field trip, visit the First Green website or contact your regional field staff representative.