First Green at Kilworth Springs: ‘Even the teachers were surprised’

When pupils from two local primary schools arrived at Kilworth Springs for a First Green event, it was not only the children who discovered something new about working on a golf course.

The Leicestershire venue welcomed 23 youngsters onto the site for a hands-on introduction to golf, greenkeeping and the working environment of a golf facility. For Course Manager Paul Fowkes and his team, the visit became a chance to show pupils and teachers that golf courses are outdoor workplaces where science, machinery, maintenance and sport come together.

Paul and three members of the Kilworth Springs greenkeeping team were involved in delivering the day’s activities. While Paul led one group on a tour of the facility, another member of staff introduced pupils to the workshop and machinery, and two others ran activities on the putting green, including green speed work and data readings.

“It was a brilliant day and it was great to see how much all the kids enjoyed learning more about what we do,” said Paul.

The pupils relished the opportunity to explore the course and the chance to try their hand at some putting. The workshop and machinery sparked curiosity, with children asking how fast machines could go and how much they cost.

“They loved it,” said Paul. “They have since booked back in to come and use our driving range, and one of the other schools has come back in to book their prom here, so it has been very successful.”

For many of the children, golf courses were unfamiliar environments, and Paul felt the wider value came from showing what greenkeeping involves to everyone who attended.

“There were a couple who come here for lessons, but the vast majority had never been to a golf course before,” said Paul. “They did not know anything about golf courses, what type of place it was, what facilities we had here or what we actually do. It was a chance to show that it involves much more than just cutting grass, and there are a broad range of skills you need. Even some of the teachers were surprised by what greenkeeping actually involves.”

For other clubs and greenkeeping teams considering hosting a First Green event, Paul said the Kilworth Springs experience showed the benefits.

“It was really worthwhile,” said Paul. “For anyone thinking about it, just go for it. It can be a nervous thing, but once you get into it and get used to it, it is something that is going to bring real rewards to your golf course.”