Live Green Proves Memorable

There is nothing like a little youthful enthusiasm to rejuvenate you and make you appreciate the countless benefits of working in the golf course industry. Recently, I had the wonderful opportunity to work with The First Tee of Northwest Florida in its "Live Green" event conducted on a perfect Saturday morning at Osceola Municipal Golf Course.

I was blessed to work alongside volunteers from the Gulf Coast GCSA, Audubon International, The First Tee, and the Toro Co. But the best part was that I had the pleasure of discussing the positive environmental impacts of golf courses with roughly 50 eager First Tee students.

GCSAA Class A member Eddie Daigle provided six educational stations through which the students rotated. The students were able to see how hole locations are changed and greens are mowed. They were also exposed to such practices as planting of ornamental grasses and trees, and mulching. Joellen Lampman from Audubon International provided an overall environmental perspective.

I worked with 7-12 students at a time planting Cypress trees. The students were excited to work in the dirt and plant what several called Christmas Trees. I was able to relay the reasons we were planting the trees. I was surprised to find how many of the students already knew about photosynthesis.  I went on to discuss how the trees were being positioned to frame the hole, and protect the cars in the parking lot as well as provide habitat for birds and other animals like gorillas. The students agreed that there would probably not be any gorillas in Pensacola!!

Once we discussed the benefits of planting the trees, the real fun began. The Toro 30” auger stole the show as the kids were fascinated when it moved on its tracks and spun a hole a foot or two deep in less than 10 seconds. The students’ enthusiasm for leveling the bottom of the hole was only matched by mine as we jumped in the hole and kicked the dirt around (by we, I mean myself and the students!). The laughter that accompanied this process was priceless. Once the tree was planted and covered with mulch you could tell the kids had a genuine sense of accomplishment.

First Tee of Northwest Florida students planting Cypress trees at Osceola Municipal Golf Course

As each new group rotated through our session, I was impressed to see how the students exemplified the nine Core Values of The First Tee. It was during these transition times that I realized how fortunate I am to be able to share my passion with the next generation. It is my hope that these types of interactions will lead them to do the same in their future.

I will close by saying, if you are ever given the chance to work an event similar to this or invite students to your facility, take the opportunity to do so. You may think of it as a chance to enlighten the children, but I guarantee the reward you will receive will far outweigh the work you put into it.  Several days after the event I am still smiling as I recall the questions and comments from the students as their laughter echoes in my memory.