For the third consecutive year, the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) partnered with the Chevron LPGA Championship to deliver hands-on STEAM education through its First Green program, engaging students and spectators at Memorial Park Golf Course.
As part of Chevron’s ongoing commitment to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education, the championship featured a “STEM Village” with eight interactive educational exhibits. GCSAA’s First Green tent once again played a key role, offering visitors an inside look at the science behind golf course management.
This year marked the tournament’s first at Memorial Park, a municipal course operated by the City of Houston. The STEM Village was strategically located near the main entrance behind the 10th green, maximizing visibility and engagement. Attendees received “passport” cards to visit each exhibit, encouraging participation across all educational tents.
GCSAA’s First Green exhibit featured three core demonstrations:
• A “cool tools” display showcasing modern equipment used in golf course management
• A soils station highlighting sand particle sizes and water infiltration
• A cross-section model illustrating putting green construction and bunker design
The exhibit was staffed by GCSAA staff and volunteers from the South Texas Golf Course Superintendents Association.
Operating daily throughout tournament week, April 23–26, the First Green tent welcomed an estimated 100 to 150 visitors per day. On Friday, the program hosted approximately 50 students from Yellowstone Academy, as well as members of the boys’ and girls’ golf teams from Galveston Ball High School.
Brick Scott from Husqvarna Group demonstrates the “Cool Tools” STEM lesson to middle school students from Yellowstone Academy in Houston.
While interactions were often brief, they provided meaningful opportunities to introduce students and the public to the environmental science, engineering and sustainability practices involved in golf course management. Many visitors expressed surprise at the industry’s strong emphasis on conservation and resource stewardship.
“Being part of the Chevron LPGA Championship STEM Village allows us to connect with young people and showcase the real-world applications of STEM in golf course management,” said Johnny Walker, GCSAA South Central field representative. “We’re proud to continue collaborating with Chevron to inspire the next generation.”
The First Green program uses golf courses as living laboratories to teach STEAM concepts, helping students gain a deeper understanding of science and environmental stewardship through hands-on learning.