First Green on list of R&A Foundation beneficiaries

BIGGA's innovative STEM learning initiative that raises awareness of the professional opportunities presented in golf and greenkeeping is to receive support from The R&A Foundation.

First Green promotes STEM skills found in golf and was introduced to the UK by the British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA). BIGGA licenced the rights to First Green from the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, where the initiative has built a proud legacy of bridging gaps between golf courses and the local community.

BIGGA’s Workforce Project Manager Jenny Bledge said: “First Green is BIGGA’s flagship initiative as we seek to remedy the longstanding issue of recruitment and retention within the greenkeeping industry.

“Our members have told us that one of their biggest challenges is attracting quality candidates when advertising vacancies. First Green is aimed at school-age children but it can be adapted to all ages and importantly it provides a platform for golf clubs to undertake outreach activities in their communities. This will raise awareness of the career opportunities presented in golf and also showcase the fantastic sustainability efforts taking place on golf courses across the UK.

 

“First Green events that have begun taking place since it was formally launched in January and all have been incredibly well received, particularly by the diverse range of students who have taken part. It’s wonderful to see First Green gaining momentum as more and more events take place and our sincere thanks goes to The R&A Foundation for its support of this flagship BIGGA initiative. We encourage anyone who has the opportunity to get involved with First Green to do so, you won’t regret it!”

First Green is one of a number of golf-related programmes around the world that are to benefit from The R&A Foundation’s support thanks to donations generated by a global philanthropy programme. Since 2023, donors have pledged more than £6.3 million and £2 million has so far been realised. Supporters include Rolex, The Arnold & Winnie Palmer Foundation, AIG and an international group of individual donors.

First Green provides golf greenkeepers with the guidance, advice and support to host fun outdoor learning activities at their course. A First Green field trip provides a variety of inclusive hands-on practical learning stations, where the golf course’s greenkeeping team teaches some of the skills they use each day. All stations link to the current UK curriculum and are endorsed by STEM Learning.

 

Jackie Davidson, Director – Golf Education at The R&A, said: “We are delighted to support First Green – a golf industry initiative to inspire the next generation of greenkeepers – and promote the STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) skills found in golf. It is important for The R&A to support greenkeeping initiatives and the education pathway for greenkeeping and agronomy, given the overall importance of this sector to the industry.”

The R&A Foundation has also committed to supporting the international Thank A Greenkeeper Day, which takes place in 2024 on Tuesday 10 September. The Foundation support will focus on underrepresented groups in the profession.