by
Jeff Jensen
| Sep 30, 2024
5th grade students treated to a great day of learning activities leading up to the PGA Tour's Procore Championship
Silverado Resort in Napa, Calif., hosted its second annual First Green field trip on Sept. 6 in advance of the PGA Tour’s Procore Championship played Sept. 12-15 at the resort.
Director of Agronomy David Walter and his wife Kayla, PGA/LPGA Professional, hosted the trip for 5th grade students from nearby Vichy Elementary School.
The students were treated to four learning stations including a Soils Lab, Cool Tools on the Green, Water Conservation/Management and Basics of the Golf Swing.
The soils lab was taught by PGA Tour Agronomist Thomas Bastis, CGCS. Thomas taught the students about the soil triangle and how it affects the management of turfgrass on a golf course. Additionally, students learned about various turf types and viewed soil profiles from greens, rough and fairways.
The "Cool Tools on the Green was taught by Jose Tena, Silverado's assistant superintendent. Jose demonstrated how to use a stimpmeter for consistency and speed and the kids were able to take their own readings. Jose also demonstrated how to cut and replace a cup and then the kids had the opportunity to view and take a seat on numerous pieces of equipment.
Troon Manager of Environmental Science Bri Kenny taught the water conservation/management station. Bri gave the kids a hands-on demonstration on how to hand water and take soil moisture meter readings on a tee box.
Silverado PGA Teaching Professional Matt Dito introduced the kids to golf and provided instruction focused on grip, stance and posture. Based on the reactions, I think Matt convinced some of these youngsters to take up the game.
To finish the day, Silverado Executive Chef Patrick Prager provided a lunch of salad, wood-fired pizzas and brownies for all pf the kids. Patrick also answered numerous questions from students expressing interest in the food and beverage field.
Each of the students received a GCSAA swag bag as well as a Silverado Resort hat. Special thanks to David, Kayla, Silverado Director of Operations Len Dumas and Troon for hosting the field trip and providing the kids with a lot of extras that made for a special day.
If you have an interest in hosting a First Green Field Trip, contact your local GCSAA Field Representative or Leann Cooper, director of First Green and workforce development at lcooper@gcsaa.org.
