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Presented in partnership
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Before they turn off the water
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Richard Staughton, CGCS |
Drought conditions during recent years have caused Georgians to seriously address water conservation for all water consumers in the state, including golf courses. When the governor’s office began to outline a larger and broader plan for the state’s waters in 2005, the Georgia GCSA took a proactive approach and decided to work with the environmental protection division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources to help with the situation. A memorandum of agreement between the two groups declared that 75 percent of GGCSA-member golf courses would have best management practices for water conservation in place by May 2007.
GGCSA is proud that this monumental goal was successfully accomplished in early April and that representatives presented project results to the state DNR officials in mid-May. By taking the lead and providing the data, GGCSA is hoping once again to influence water usage decisions for Georgia’s golf courses.
Here’s how we did it.
The superintendents in the state were requested to provide basic information about their courses and water usage. We knew that we needed data to show DNR that each golf course was unique and that the idea of “what applies to one should apply to all” was not valid in the case of golf courses. The information that was needed included the following:
• Site assessment — areas of course, plants, general factors
• Overall water needs — sources, quantities, permits
• Best management practices — cultural methods, man hours required
• Water conservation plan — goals for conserving during drought restrictions
• Supporting documents — soil/water samples, rainfall/irrigation totals
A fill-in-the-blanks-format template was produced to make the process of gathering this pertinent information as easy as possible. Our friends at the University of Georgia, professors Bob Carrow and Clint Waltz, provided hours of educational programs for our members to further assist with understanding BMPs for water conservation.
The groundwork for this initiative was laid as far back as 2002, when superintendents identified a need for a plan for water usage on Georgia golf courses. This plan involved the cooperation of the five golf industry partners, the formulation of a water task force and the hiring of a lobbying firm to be an advocate with government legislation. The task force gathered the important information on the benefits of turf and turf water usage, as well as the huge economic impact of golf to the state of Georgia through jobs, taxes and tourism. This information was passed to the Georgia Allied Golf Council for presentation to Georgia Link and ultimately to the legislators.
The water task force’s hard work was rewarded in early 2004 with a revised version of the State Drought Management Plan for golf water usage under drought restrictions. This was the first effort by GGCSA that helped influence legislation in a positive manner.
Where this entire water story will end is anyone’s guess, but GGCSA will continue to promote the fact that there is no one better than the educated superintendent to make the best use of the water on golf courses. Obviously, the hope is that through the ongoing efforts of the GGCSA that the water will not be turned off, and golf in Georgia can live happily ever after.
Rain Bird announces its Three Course Getaway contest this summer to award one winner a golf trip for four to three championship courses: Bandon Dunes, Pebble Beach and Pelican Hill, all courses that use Rain Bird irrigation products. Runner-up prizes include a set of Callaway golf clubs and a new Rain Bird automatic sprinkler system. To enter, visit www.rainbird.com/getaway. The contest runs through August. Jerry Pate Turf & Irrigation Inc. recently won The Toro Co.’s Landscape Contractor Equipment Distributor of the Year award. The company beat out 32 other distributors for the award, which recognizes achievement in customer service, sales and service support, equipment and part fill rates, market share of Toro products and top customer satisfaction scores. Aqua Control Inc., a manufacturer of aerators, fountains and water features, has appointed Jeromy Raatz as its chief executive officer. Raatz will oversee all aspects of the business including operations, production, sales, engineering and customer service. He previously worked for Target Corp. and as a military officer in the U.S. Army. |
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