Golf courses can become classrooms
Editor Kerry Haywood recently attended Dudley Golf Club where Course Manager Stewart Marshall hosted a truly enriching experience for a group of youngsters.
Backed by BIGGA, STEM field trips (part of the First Green Initiative), provide a variety of inclusive hands-on practical learning stations, where the greenkeeping team teach youngsters from all walks of life skills they use every day. It’s a perfect way to introduce golf and greenkeeping to young children, as well as educating them about nature and the environment that surrounds them.
When asked about the event Stewart commented: “Children from three local schools are attending the event where they will experience an educational course walk, an explanation about nature on the course from a member of the Wildlife Trust, followed by an afternoon of golfing activities; putting, chipping, driving before an introduction to greenkeeping duties including raking bunkers, reseeding, moving holes and divotting of tees.”
“Events like this are something I’m very passion about and I feel they will not only educate the children, but also help the golf course by instilling respect into those attending today. In years to come, that might mean they don’t vandalise the course - which is something I have to deal with three or four times a week.”
“There are only two of us maintaining the course here at Dudley, so it’s taken a little bit of organising around our packed daily schedules and renovations, but BIGGA Workforce Project Manager Jenny Bledge has been a huge help.”
Jenny was there to offer a helping hand on the day and commented: “Since the launch at BTME this year we have run events at many clubs including Harrogate, Royal Liverpool, The Bedfordshire and St Andrews. Throughout winter, we are encouraging our members to get in touch with schools and make those links within communities for them to consider an event in spring and summer next year.”
“As much as it might be a scary prospect of knowing where to start, BIGGA have contacted career hubs up and down the country to make them aware of First Green, so that bridges the gap and makes it easier for connections to be made.”
“Dudley Golf Club have two greenkeepers running the course and is an excellent example of how achievable these events are. If they can do it – anyone can! We are always on hand to help and support members in the organisation process and we want to make this an enriching and valuable experience for everyone.”
“The legacy that these events leave with the children is amazing and they will remember it for a very long time.”
The industry is utilising science, technology, engineering and mathematics to instil a lifelong appreciation of our most precious natural resources for generations to come and I would certainly encourage more clubs to host a First Green event.
To find out more and how you can get involved click here or
contact Jenny Bledge via email: jenny@bigga.co.uk or call: 01347 833 800.