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Presented in partnership with BASF
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Golf and the environment:
Looking back, looking ahead
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The Center for Resource Management hosted a reunion of sorts during the Golf Industry Show in Anaheim for many of the individuals and organizations that produced the “Environmental Principles for Golf,” published in 1996.
Approximately 60 individuals representing an array of golf industry and environmental groups as well as the EPA reflected on what the golf industry has accomplished over the last 10 years and discussed major environmental issues, research priorities and goals for the future. GCSAA was a Silver Sponsor of the workshop through funding from The Environmental Institute for Golf.
The group agreed that a great deal of progress has been made.
- Research has provided direction for the wise use of nutrients, pesticides and water, with the use of recycled water becoming commonplace in many regions of the country.
- New turfgrasses provide more appeal to golfers, yet can withstand poor-quality irrigation water.
- Advances in technology, environmental education and awareness have helped superintendents to manage golf properties in a more sustainable manner. Audubon International and other environmental programs were cited for providing golf courses with conservation and stewardship techniques, and participants cited numerous examples of innovative golf course design and management techniques.
But the participants had questions, too: What’s next? Where do we spend our effort and money so that the golf industry can be successful — environmentally and economically — in the future? The group probed several environmental issues — some familiar and some rather fresh — and came to some conclusions.
- Water availability and quality, increasing regulatory conflicts, energy use and maintenance inputs continue to loom large for the golf industry.
- Gathering data on golf course maintenance practices and filling the “knowledge gap” of golfers and the general public about environmentally responsible golf course management are compelling needs.
- The lack of consensus among golfers of what constitutes a quality golf experience and the need for environmental goals resonated with participants throughout the workship. A survey conducted by Golf Digest revealed a conundrum: Most golfers consider the sport to be environmentally friendly, yet they don’t want to play on brown grass and for the most part are unwilling to pay more to play a course managed with fewer chemicals.
- It will take a team to address these issues, with superintendents, managers, golf professionals, owners and golfers all playing a role for future success.
- The data generated through the Golf Course Environmental Profile project — already in motion at GCSAA through the support of The Institute — will provide an accurate view of current practices, set the stage to document change over time and help the golf industry set realistic and measurable environmental goals.
The Metropolitan Golf Association Foundation announces that Trump National GC in Bedminster, N.J., is the recipient of its first annual MGA Club Environmental Award. The award recognizes an MGA member club that demonstrates environmental stewardship through golf course maintenance, construction, education and research. Greg Nicoll, CGCS, director of grounds for Trump National, received the award at the 2007 MGA/USGA Green Chairmen Education Series and Club Environmental Award Luncheon on March 21. At Trump National, Nicoll, a 14-year GCSAA member, implemented an environmental strategy involving preservation of a 45-acre grassland bird habitat on the golf course, erosion control and a stream stabilization management plan. The results of Nicoll’s efforts include a significant environmental net gain from the previous land use. Trump National, which currently is constructing an additional 18 holes, has integrated environmental awareness into the golf course maintenance and construction plans. The club also was recognized for setting up monthly meetings to keep Bedminster Township officials updated on environmental monitoring activities. Applications were judged based on six categories: water quality and quantity, education, outreach, integrated pest management, wildlife and other awards received. |
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