First Green
First Green

Unlock the Power of STEM Education with First Green!

With Par West and the GCSAA First Green Initiative, you can transform your golf course into an engaging learning environment for teachers, parents, and students. Let them experience firsthand the unique benefits that golf courses offer as they dive into STEM applications while earning service points towards your Class A or CGCS goals. Together, we can shape the future of education.

BENEFITING YOUR COURSE AND YOUR COMMUNITY

Empower your GCSAA Chapter

As a GCSAA Chapter, you have the chance to host workshops that introduce your members to the incredible benefits of the First Green initiative. The dedicated GCSAA First Green staff will facilitate workshops and provide support from start to finish.

Earn Service Points

By hosting and volunteering at First Green Field Trips, members can earn valuable service points that count towards their Class A or CGCS goals. It’s a win-win situation – make a difference in your community while advancing your professional development.

Become a Community Champion

First Green field trips create a powerful connection between schools and local golf courses, highlighting golf courses as valuable community resources. By turning your golf course into a living, breathing classroom, you will help teachers, parents, and students experience firsthand the incredible benefits of golf courses and their STEM applications.

A Bridge Between Education and Golf Courses

Join us in bridging the gap between education and golf courses. The First Green initiative will transform your golf course into an educational hub where teachers can engage their students with interactive STEM lessons. Together, let’s create an unforgettable learning experience!

SEE HOW THE FIRST GREEN INITIATIVE HAS HELPED GOLF ORGANIZATION LEADERS

Trevor Smith
Past President, Western Canada Turfgrass Association
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The best part about First Green is that it can happen at any golf course and there are golf courses in practically every community in our province. this makes the program accessible to kids everywhere not just those in larger cities.
Frank Tichenor
Golf Course Superintendent, Forest Hills Field Club, Bloomfield, NJ
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I have to say...(my first field trip) was one of the best days I have ever spent on a golf course!
Troy Andrew
CEO & Executive Director, Pacific Northwest Golf Association, Washington State Golf Association and The Home Course
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The WSGA has been a proud supporter of the First green since its inception 20 years ago. The First green is growing the game of golf in a very unique way by introducing kids to the many environmental benefits of a golf course. And for many of these kids that attend the field trips, it's the first time they have ever stepped foot on a golf course. one field trip might equal a new member to the golf community!
Kris Jonasson
Executive Director, British Columbia Golf
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In 50 years we might well look back and see that the First Green initiative was one of the best "growing the game" initiatives that golf has ever done.
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GET INVOLVED TODAY!

First green Collage

HOW TO HOST A FIELD TRIP

1. REGISTER TO HOST

Interested in hosting a field trip at your course? Register to become part of the program. Staff will then reach out with additional details.

2. CONNECT WITH A SCHOOL

Reach out to local middle schools or high schools to identify the best time for a field trip at your golf course.

3. REGISTER YOUR FIELD TRIP

Once details are confirmed with the school and teacher, register your field trip through the link below.

4. FOLLOW GCSAA & FIRST GREEN ON SOCIAL MEDIA!

VIDEO: HOW TO HOST A FIELD TRIP

Turn your golf course into a living, breathing classroom for local schools. Help teachers, parents and students experience the benefits of golf courses and their STEM applications.

Video Description

First Green transforms courses into classrooms, bringing education outdoors. Every square inch of fairway, rough and greens offer many lessons in golf course habitat.

FIRST GREEN FAQs

Below are the most frequent asked questions and answers regarding the First Green Initiative program.

First Green is an innovative environmental education outreach program using golf courses as experiential learning labs – the only program of its kind in the world. With online lesson plans and other extensive resources for golf course superintendents, First Green facilitates connections between golf courses and local schools.

Golf superintendents, course staff and/or local industry representatives host students on field trips to test water quality, collect soil samples, identify plants, preserve wildlife habitats, assist in stream-bed restoration, and learn about the ecology, conservation, and environmental aspects of golf courses. The non-profit has been providing STEM learning labs since 1997. Click here for our core STEM Lesson Plans.

1. Contact First Green to find the registered course(s) / superintendent(s) in your area.

2. Connect with your preferred course/superintendent.

3. Work with the superintendent to pick a date; refine curriculum as needed.

First Green’s fundamental beliefs underscore our members’ commitment to environmental stewardship and paying forward the gift of a career in golf. Program characteristics include:

• Fun
• Experiential learning
• Outdoor enjoyment
• Introduction to and growth of the game
• STEM education
• Future career path
• Best-in-class
• Positive community impact

15,000-plus students impacted.

Rhett Evans, GCSAA CEO – “As one of the world’s leading environmental education programs utilizing golf courses, First Green provides an ideal platform for GCSAA members to further strengthen ties with their communities. Our partnership will open new pathways to golf careers for generations to come.”

Dr. Karen Armstead, Executive Director – “GCSAA’s global footprint will allow us to deliver First Green’s experiential STEM learning labs to new communities. We’ll be able to develop even more engaging hands-on workshops that bring curriculums to life through the lens of golf.”

GCSAA is dedicated to serving its members, advancing their profession, and enhancing the enjoyment, growth, and vitality of the game of golf. Moving forward, First Green and its related initiatives will support the overarching mission and vision of GCSAA.

GCSAA is the global leader in golf course management.

Golf Industry Leaders / Stakeholders: United States Golf Association, American Society of Golf Course Architects, Golf Course Builders Association of America, Jacobsen, John Deere, LPGA, National Club Association, National Golf Course Owners Association, National Golf Foundation, PGA of America, PGA TOUR, Topgolf, Toro, World Golf Foundation, Youth On Course

Schools / Universities: Superintendents, Principals, Teachers, Guidance Counselors, Volunteers, Golf Coaches, Athletic Boosters / Donors

Community Leaders: Mayors, Chamber of Commerce Members, Tourism Boards, NonProfit Executive Directors, City Council Members, School Board Members, Business Owners, Public Services Director, Director of Community Development, Chief of Police, Town Treasurer

Local Foundations / Charities / After-School Programs: 4-H, Boy Scouts of America, Boys and Girls Clubs of America, Elks, Girls Scouts of America, Green Peace, National Audubon Society, National FFA Foundation, National Geographic Society, Nature Conservancy, Safe Kids Worldwide, Sierra Club, Smithsonian Institute, Teach for America, United Way, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Wildlife Conservation Society, World Wildlife Fund, YMCA

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Diverse Product Line

Everything you need for every job on turf.

Custom Manufacturing

We offer custom manufactured products made in the USA.

Proud Supporters

of local and national associations