First Green: Changing perceptions, one field trip at a time

Workforce Project Manager Jenny Bledge reveals how First Green is transforming people’s understanding of greenkeeping

Ask anyone in greenkeeping and they’ll tell you the same thing – people outside the industry often don’t really know what it is.

To those who don’t work in or play golf, the role of a greenkeeper is often misunderstood or undervalued. Too often, it’s reduced to cutting grass, but anyone in turf management knows that couldn’t be further from the truth. Greenkeeping is science, technology, creativity, engineering, sustainability and problem-solving rolled into one. Now, thanks to First Green, those perceptions are changing – and our members are leading the way.

First Green is BIGGA’s STEM learning initiative that brings students out of the classroom and onto the golf course for hands-on activities in maths, science, ecology and more. The tasks may look simple, but the real impact comes when students see, perhaps for the first time, the expertise and pride behind the work of a skilled greenkeeping team.

For parents and teachers, the experience is equally eye-opening. Many arrive with little knowledge of the profession, yet leave with a new respect for its potential. Careers advisers have told us how valuable it is to see firsthand the opportunities greenkeeping offers to young people who want to combine science, sustainability and a love of the outdoors. Crucially, it helps students realise these careers aren’t far away – they exist right on their doorstep.

Hosting a First Green event gives members the chance to share their pride in what they do. Those who’ve taken part say it’s rewarding to see the perception shift in real time. It’s a chance to show the depth of the role and promote their club as part of the community.

This is more than an outreach programme – it’s a platform to tell the story of greenkeeping and inspire the next generation, one field trip at a time.