First Green

Thank you to Ken McDonald Golf Course in Tempe, AZ for hosting a First Green field trip for 4th graders at Kyrene de la Sierra Elementary School!

@GSNorthernIL hosted a Touch-a-Truck event this weekend that incorporated First Green elements and introduced the @gcsaa program to folks in South Elgin, IL. Attendees learned about golf course maintenance equipment, engaged in STEAM learning activities, and practiced putting!

We are looking forward to the March 2026 First Green field trips! If you are a @GCSAA member interested in hosting an event or an educator/youth advisor who would like to connect with a field trip host, let us know!

Workforce development is top of mind for GCSAA members. #GCSAAConference Power Hour “FFA Engagement” offered great insights: - Offer job shadowing opportunities - Paid internships (SAEs) - Student research projects - Volunteer to judge at state conferences and competitions (CDEs) - Host a CDE event at your course - Attend state conferences and job fairs - Host a @TheFirstGreen event gcsaa.org/career/students

Thanks to Justin Hastings & Marcus Byrd who took time to give the kids a few tips at yesterday’s @TheFirstGreen Field Trip @FarmersInsOpen. Best of luck to both of you this week! @GCSAA @PGATOUR

Huge thanks to the @SD_GCSA volunteers who assisted with today’s @TheFirstGreen Field Trip at Torrey Pines. Your efforts are greatly appreciated! @GCSAA @PGATOUR @FarmersInsOpen @GCM_Magazine

@TheFirstGreen Field Trip @FarmersInsOpen today at Torrey Pines. Beautiful day and a great chance for the kids to see what golf course maintenance is all about! @GCSAA @thescga @PGATOUR

Great story about the power of First Green and programs like it!

The perfect recipient for the @WWGCSA Paul Backman DSA! Karen Armstead, PhD., is recognized for her early contribution to @TheFirstGreen which led to where it is today. Truly a treasure of the industry!

To have a pin on an FFA jacket is truly an honor!

Leann Cooper has been promoted to senior director, member programs, for GCSAA. She has been a part of the GCSAA staff for the last 25 years. In her new role, Cooper will provide overall direction and program management for member relations, chapter outreach, field staff, @TheFirstGreen, workforce development and learning and career development. Read more: gcsaa.org/who-we-are/med…

Oct 23rd 2025 vs Nov 2nd 2016! We have been hosting @TheFirstGreen field trips for 9 years!!! The work that @GCSAA staff and committees put into the program definitely shows. Each year our field trips get better and better! Not only do they showcase our industry but it’s also a great way to give back to our local community!

This summer, @cactusandpine hosted a job expo and a @TheFirstGreen event in Arizona. Learn how the chapter is investing in the future of the industry: bit.ly/4hqhZw4 @GCSAA

Yesterday was a great day with the @CarolinasGCSA for their Fall Meeting at Grandfather Mtn. Met many outstanding individuals. Today I am in Raleigh with Megan Speziale presenting on @TheFirstGreen. Megan is the wife of Peter Speziale President of the @PiedmontGCSA #GrowtheGame

Prep work has begun for the next @TheFirstGreen field trip! Schools love Fall field trips so if you haven’t been able to secure a school yet don’t be afraid to ask again! @GCSAA

Vermont sees its first @TheFirstGreen field trip and local @NBC affiliate, @MYNBC5, was there to capture the day: mynbc5.com/article/dorset… #STEAM #STEM

Today I am blessed to be spending time with students from Clarke Central HS with @GCSAA Director Scott Griffith, CGCS, at The University of Georgia Golf Course for a @TheFirstGreen field trip. Students are getting a peek behind the scenes of #golf course operations. @BusekTim

Come join our team!

Hey @TheFirstGreen …color in Vermont!!! Thanks to Sean , staff, and volunteers who hosted Dorset 5th graders today. Fun group, awesome stations made for an exciting day. Local news on hand Too. Hope to get the footage posted soon.