January 26, 2023 - Turf Matters

Golf clubs to become STEM classrooms: The British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) and the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) are collaborating to have BIGGA exclusively present GCSAA’s First Green STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education programme in the UK.

Founded in 1997, First Green is the only STEM education and environmental outreach programme using golf courses as learning labs.

Golf clubs to become STEM classrooms

The First Green curriculum helps students apply their classroom knowledge in an outdoor setting. Using STEM concepts connected to golf course management and conservation, students find new inspiration in their schoolwork and learn about the possibility of a career in golf or a STEM-related field. Since its inception, First Green has reached students in the United States and Canada through learning labs that bring the classroom to life on the golf course. First Green also gives students a first-hand look at the important role greenkeepers (or superintendents as they are known in the US) play in their communities.

As part of the multi-year agreement, GCSAA will provide branding, training, insight and curriculum advice to assist BIGGA with establishing First Green in the UK. The two associations will share best practices and updates to ensure students will be part of programmes offering the best possible experience and learning.

This initiative was announced as part of the 2023 BIGGA Turf Management Exhibition (BTME) in a joint event attended by representatives of GCSAA and BIGGA. Initial planning is underway and a schedule of First Green events presented exclusively in the UK by BIGGA will be available when they are announced at www.bigga.org.uk.

Jim Croxton, BIGGA CEO, said: “First Green is a brilliant tool with all the assets, lesson plans and resources that any golf course needs to host an event. We’re thankful to the GCSAA for the incredible work they have done to develop the programme and also for enabling us to bring it to the UK, where I am confident it will be a huge success.”

Rhett Evans, GCSAA CEO, said: “STEM education opens the door to a wide variety of career paths including golf-related careers. While our number one goal for First Green is to support the education growth of students, we also contribute to golf’s sustainability by showcasing golf facilities’ focus on preserving the environment and creating interest in a golf-related career. Over the years we have collaborated on many initiatives with BIGGA and created a strong working relationship. This long-term and successful relationship enabled our two associations to seamlessly bring the GCSAA’s First Green programme to the UK.”

For more information about First Green in the United States, visit thefirstgreen.org

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

Ready for your next mission: For 2023, Polaris has announced a new Military Tan edition for its bestselling Sportsman 570 ATV lineup, ready for whatever your next mission may be.

Taking inspiration from Polaris’ tactical military vehicles that have redefined ultra-light mobility for military organisations around the world, the Sportsman 570 Military Tan edition features the same classic-yet-subtle Military Tan body paint finish – a colour exclusively available for Polaris customers in Europe, Middle East and Africa. Coupled with the accent colour springs in matte Titanium Metallic and 14-inch matte black aluminium wheels with 26-inch CST tyres, the Sportsman 570 EPS Military Tan edition has an agile, daring look with unquestionable style.

Ready for your next mission

Arriving in dealers this Spring, the Military Tan edition boasts MacPherson Strut front suspension and Dual A-Arm independent rear suspension, providing 24.1cm front and 20.8cm rear suspension travel, along with 34cm of ground clearance to conquer demanding trails and harsh terrain.

To help get the job done faster, or stay prepared for unexpected situations, the Military Tan edition comes standard with a 1,134kg (2,500lb) winch with cut steel gears, a sealed drivetrain and premium synthetic rope for superior flexibility and strength. The 680kg towing capacity, in addition to the 41kg front and 82kg rear rack capacities, allows riders to take whatever they need with them for the ride.

Electric power steering (EPS) and an engine braking system (EBS) come as standard on the 2023 Sportsman 570 EPS Military Tan Edition. For the current Sportsman 570 platform, the EBS has been developed to allow a more controlled riding experience regardless of the terrain type, alongside a new clutch for smooth engagement at lower speeds. The Sportsman 570 also features the industry’s fastest engaging on-demand all-wheel drive when extra traction is required.

The Sportsman 570 platform was updated in 2021 with a bold design from front to back, including the new handlebar-mounted pod with an powerful, integrated LED work light and built-in battery charging port. There are LED headlights with integrated turn signals, and a sharp, sleek body shape. The powerful 18AH battery sits underneath the front rack for easy access, whilst the sealed suspension bushings, improved brake lines, fully-sealed ignition switch and durable A-arms enhance durability and resilience.

For more information, please contact the Polaris ORV Media Office at press@polaris-orv.media