Growing the game of golf does not just happen in the clubhouse, practice range or on the first tee. It also occurs at the grassroots level - literally.
On Sept. 11, Estes Park (Colorado) Golf Course superintendent John Feeney hosted a group of 80 students from Estes Park Elementary for a field day event designed to raise awareness about the environmental stewardship efforts of golf course superintendents and generate potential interest in turf management as a potential future career opportunity.
"The main reason for us was public outreach," Feeney said. "We try to get the message out about the environmental benefits of golf courses and turfgrass. We feel like we are helping to grow the game of golf. It's amazing how few kids this age have actually stepped foot on a golf course."
The event was a hit with the students and teachers alike, all of whom enjoyed being outside and taking advantage of an opportunity to commune with nature.
"The kids and the teachers loved it," Feeney said. "They were outside the classroom and ate hot dogs. Doesn't get much better. We received 80 handmade thank you cards a few days later."
The field day comprised five stations:
> soils, where kids were able to use soil sieves to separate soil and watch water percolate through different materials;
> math on the golf course, in which explained the use of simple algebra on a daily basis;
> composting, where kids learned how the Estes Park staff converts elk feces and pine needles to usable compost;
> cool tools, such as cut cutters, greens rollers and walk mowers;
> putting contest, including obstacles on the practice green, courtesy of Estes Park head pro Mark Miller.
"Hopefully we can influence some students to find new inspiration in their school work and possibly influence them to pursue a career in golf," Feeney said.
Feeney first had the idea for a field day after learning about the First Green program at this year's Golf Industry Show in San Diego, which pairs golf courses with local schools for science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) learning opportunities.
The field day not only educates students on environmental stewardship and careers in golf, it also can help dispel commonly held misconceptions about what it takes to manage a golf course.
"This is a great opportunity to get those messages out. It allows us to show how superintendents are more responsible with water usage and fertilizer/chemical applications than most of the parents at home," Feeney said."The soils lab can show how turfgrass acts as a filter, keeping contaminants out of groundwater and creeks and streams. Perhaps a student will explain to dad why he shouldn't wash the car in the driveway, or broadcast fertilizer all over the sidewalk."
Feeney held his first field day in April, and plans to continue hosting at least one event per year.
"I think golf course superintendents need to continue to take larger roles in growing the game of golf. It's important to get young people interested in our profession."