Lonnie Poole Golf Course at NC State University will host two engaging First Green events for local eighth-grade students from Centennial Campus Magnet Middle School on April 15 and April 22, 2025. The events, which will take place from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. on both days, will provide an in-depth, hands-on learning experience about the science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM) aspects of golf course maintenance and turfgrass management.
Approximately 150 students will visit the course to rotate through five interactive educational stations, led by a team of turf grass experts, university professors and golf course professionals. Students will explore topics including soil science, water conservation, turfgrass management and the technology used in modern golf course maintenance. The stations include:
- Cool Tools and Technology Used in Golf Course Maintenance
Brian Green, Director of Golf Course Maintenance, Lonnie Poole Golf Course at NC State - Water and Soils on Golf Courses
Dr. Travis Gannon and Team, Professor, Pesticide Fate and Behavior, NC State - Equipment Used in Golf Course Maintenance
Bradley Pope, Director of Golf Course Maintenance, Prestonwood Country Club
Kevin Stinnett, Territory Sales Manager, Simplot Turf and Horticulture - The Science Behind Turfgrass Management
Lee Butler, Extension Coordinator and Turf Diagnostic Lab, NC State Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology - Math Used in Golf Course Maintenance
Ford Baker, Golf Course Superintendent, Hope Valley Country Club
“This program is a fantastic opportunity for students to connect classroom learning with real-world applications,” said Brian Green, director of golf course maintenance at Lonnie Poole Golf Course. “We’re excited to showcase how STEAM concepts play a crucial role in maintaining a golf course and managing its environment.”
The First Green program is a nationwide initiative that uses golf courses as living classrooms, where students gain hands-on experience in environmental stewardship, science and technology. Lonnie Poole Golf Course is proud to be part of this program, offering local students a unique educational experience on one of the premier golf courses in the region.
For more information about First Green, visit www.thefirstgreen.org