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Ideas for a school visit

6 posts
  1. Joel Rhodes
    Joel Rhodes avatar
    0 posts
    2/4/2015 4:02 AM
    My Golf Course has been asked by the local American school to allow the 7th grade class to make a science field trip to us. We are all for supporting this. We have a few ideas about things to do with this group of 150-200 7th graders. Things like a walk around our wetlands area, water samples from out reservoir, hitting a few balls on the range and pointing out the various turf grasses and letting them watch the mowing a green to show what we do.

    We would split them into groups. Any other ideas to make this worthwhile would be greatly appreciated.



  2. Andy Jorgensen
    Andy Jorgensen avatar
    1 posts
    2/4/2015 6:02 AM
    Have some giveaways like logo golf balls or a hat or two. Ask them questions like how much do you think this mower costs? How low do you think this green is being mowed at. Have visuals and samples or maybe a display of some equipment and tools you use that they have maybe never seen. Engage them and they will engage you.



  3. James Smith
    James Smith avatar
    112 posts
    2/5/2015 6:02 AM
    you would most likely make it more fun for them if you bring them to the putting green. maybe make a smal 3-6 hole putt putt game on one of your pratice greens. I do not know if it would be 100% safe allowing kids to swing clubs on the range, someone may get hit with a club or an errant ball!



  4. Adam Stottlemyer
    Adam Stottlemyer avatar
    0 posts
    2/5/2015 8:02 AM
    Yes the putt putt idea is actually a good idea, less dangerous then having kids swing a club when many may never have, and of course you'll have some of the boys swinging as hard as they can to go the furthest out of all their friends. To go along with that, a chipping challenge maybe another activity that could be fun and less dangerous.

    Maybe do a pH test on water with the pH strips. Depending on time of year and where you're located, maybe try to find some turf grass pest/insects we have to deal with (grub/Abw/cutworm/etc). If you use moisture meters, maybe show how they work and a tool to use. Maybe have some go on a walk, showing how and why you mark the course, rake a bunker, fill divots, show how a irrigation head works, and a satellite box. Maybe have a mechanic show how they grind a reel, set a height, etc. Obviously I would stay away from anything about chemicals or kids being anywhere near them because you'll get at least one upset parent. Maybe show them cutting a cup, right way to fix a ballmark, etc



  5. Mark Van Lienden
    Mark Van Lienden avatar
    14 posts
    2/5/2015 8:02 AM
    I have found that they really like the moving of the cup.



  6. Joel Rhodes
    Joel Rhodes avatar
    0 posts
    2/20/2015 1:02 AM
    Thanks for the ideas and will use them. We want to make this event not only educational but fun!



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