December 2017 | 21 Subscribe today at juniorgolfmag.net to the physics of the golf swing, the ecosystem of a golf facility and the ways technology can track where golfers walk on a golf course, there are nearly endless opportunities to teach fans how to think of golf in new ways.” SCIENCE UP CLOSE From the USGA campus at Liberty Corner, students traveled to nearby Rutgers Universi- ty for an in-depth look at its advanced Center for Turfgrass Science. A longstanding research partner with the USGA, the Center has devel- oped grasses that use less water while deliver- ing optimal playing conditions for sports facil- ities around the world. The day ended with a research trip to Six Flags Great Adventure, to learn more about aerodynamic properties and the science be- hind a great golf fan experience. To wrap up the program, students traveled the next day to the U.S. Women’s Open in nearby Bedminster to learn about course setup, tour the media center, meet the world’s best play- ers and watch them tune their games during a practice round. The day was not complete without a trip to nearby TOPGOLF Edison that evening. Dinner with USGA staff the fol- lowing night rounded out their exciting visit. A STRATEGIC USGA INITIATIVE This hands-on science learning program was developed by the USGA to encourage students to pursue STEM-related careers that advance the game of golf and to show them the many ways science, technology, engineering and math are shaping the future of the game. “Working with the USGA engineers and scien- tists was amazing,” said one participant. “They Right: The winning "future scientists" celebrate Lower Right: Students get into the technology in a big way were all so welcoming and full of information that they were willing to share with us. I talked for quite some time with my group leader and learned a lot about what it is like to be an em- ployee of USGA. I would love to come back in the future as an intern.” To learn more about the Research and Test Center, internships and the USGA, see usga.org. “We love showing kids that science can be fun. Everything you see in real life is based on science.” Participants proudly display their stimpmeter