The 2023 Masters Golf Tournament drew more than 12 million viewers, according to Paramount. Some of those viewers happen to be students at Wylie West Intermediate School thanks to the creative planning of Mrs. Rotenberry and Mrs. Stuart. Their third-grade students spent the week leading up to the annual PGA tournament learning about its rich history and traditions as well as the game of golf.
Third grader Rylan Loudermilk said he wasn’t sure what to expect about the week ahead of him when he first heard he was learning about golf. “I am not really a golf person, but once I heard about the activities I was excited.”
The students kicked off the unit hearing from guest speaker MK Rotenberry. The daughter of Mrs. Rotenberry has worked for CBS Sports for nine years. Students practiced putting skills on student-designed mini-golf holes, created a personal Masters booklet, and proudly shared super fan posters of the player they researched. These ,along with many other activities throughout the week, developed learning skills in social studies, math, writing, and art.
Mrs. Rotenberry said in honor of the opening day students enjoyed eating foods that came “straight from The Masters concession boards” at lunch and watched some of the tournament. Rylan said this was one of his favorite activities.
As Rylan reflected on a fun week of learning, he shared a couple things he found to be interesting. “I found out I-20 leads directly to Augusta, Georgia, and that their spring break is set at this time so they can go on vacation and rent their houses to people who want to go to The Masters,” he said. Rylan also said he would consider playing golf now.
By Kristen Johnson