Lawrence, Kansas, United States: John Deere Golf has made a donation to the GCSAA Foundation, the philanthropic organisation of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA), to support First Green, which provides hands-on STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education at golf courses.

John Deere Golf will be the exclusive sponsor of all equipment management education within the First Green curriculum.

Founded in the Pacific Northwest in 1997 prior to the GCSAA assuming leadership in 2018, First Green is the only STEM education and environmental outreach programme that uses golf courses as living laboratories. 

Each field trip averages 75 students who learn about golf and the environment. For many students, these ‘outdoor classrooms’ represent their first exposure to a golf course.

“Through this partnership with GCSAA and our pledge to First Green, John Deere has the privilege of championing two key initiatives,” said Manny Gan, Director, Global Sales and Marketing for John Deere Golf, an Executive Member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation.

“The first is our commitment to the game of golf and its continued growth. The second, in recognition of our core brand values, is our ever-present support of STEM activities within our many communities. We are delighted to welcome these students to the greens for this unique experience,” he added.

With this donation, John Deere Golf returns to the Foundation’s Platinum Tee Club, which recognises organisations that donate US$5,000 or more. They are also part of the Star Club level of the Foundation’s Cumulative Giving Programme for donors who have contributed between US$500,000 and US$999,999 since 1987.

Deere is also a supporter of other GCSAA programmes, including sponsoring the Assistant Superintendent Certificate programme and providing complimentary GCSAA memberships to high school and college students interested in careers related to golf course management.

“John Deere has been a long-time supporter of GCSAA members throughout all stages of their career paths,” GCSAA CEO Rhett Evans said. “So, it’s fitting that they would be involved in First Green, which introduces students to golf and the profession. We thank John Deere Golf for their generous gift.”