Your participation in GCSAA's Golf Course Environmental Profile Nutrient and Pest Management Survey is critical to the future of the game of golf. All superintendents, including non-GCSAA members, should participate in this critical survey and ensure that the profession and industry are well represented by all course types, budget levels and locations. Individual survey responses are not disclosed nor does GCSAA sell email addresses.
Superintendents should check their email inboxes or spam filters for an email sent on GCSAA’s behalf by the National Golf Foundation (NGF) for their individual access to the survey. The data from the survey will provide much-needed facts that enable GCSAA to advocate on behalf of the profession and industry to maintain the resources needed to ensure success. Without the data, we can’t provide the facts behind what we say about golf’s and the superintendents' professionalism and environmental stewardship. If you did not receive the email, you can still access the survey through Nov. 10.
Take the survey now through Nov. 10 »
All superintendents who complete the survey will be entered into drawings for prizes, with names randomly drawn. Prizes will be awarded for each survey in Phase IV. There will be four $500 prize winners for this survey totaling $2,000 in prizes.
Superintendents will receive 0.50 service points per completed survey. The data will be presented for the United States as national aggregate data or regional aggregate data. International data will not be included in publications or results. Individual facility data will not be shared or disclosed. Individual data will not be shared or disclosed.
As third parties, the scientists will work to ensure that the scientific methods associated with data collection and reporting are valid.
Funded in part by the USGA though the GCSAA Foundation
Land-use and energy practices on U.S.
golf facilities
(Full Report)
A Continued Investigation into Pest Management Practices on U.S. Golf Courses
(Full Report)
Nutrient Use and Management on U.S. Golf Courses
(Full Report)
Water Use and Management Practices on U.S. Golf Courses
(Full Report)
Funded in part by the USGA
Energy Use and Environmental Practices on U.S. Golf Courses
(Full Report)
Land Use Characteristics and Environmental Stewardship Programs on U.S. Golf Courses
(Full Report)
Pest Management Practices on U.S. Golf Courses
(Full Report)
Nutrient Use and Management on U.S. Golf Courses
(Full Report)
Water Use and Conservation Practices on U.S. Golf Courses
(Full Report)
Funded in part by the Toro Giving Program
Property Profile and Environmental Stewardship of Golf Courses (Full Report)
Water Use and Conservation Practices on U.S. Golf Courses (Full Report)
Nutrient Use and Management on U.S. Golf Courses
(Full Report)
Energy Use and Conservation Practices on U.S. Golf Courses
(Full Report)
Pesticide Use on U.S. Golf Courses
(Full Report)
The Golf Course Environmental Profile is a groundbreaking project launched in 2006 to develop a comprehensive environmental profile of golf courses in the United States. GCSAA held meetings with a wide range of industry groups that identified a need for this data. The industry faces issues ranging from land use to regulations and practices governing water use, nutrients, and pest control. Prior to the GCEP, the industry faced a critical need for accurate data on the land use, inputs, management of natural resources and environmental stewardship associated with golf courses in the United States. Used in part to help advocate for golf course professionals and the golf industry, the profile – articulated in reports and surveys – conveys accurate data on the land use, management of natural resources and environmental stewardship associated with golf courses across the country.
The GCSAA Foundation and The Toro Giving Program funded the first phase of the project. In 2014-2017, GCSAA and the USGA conducted a second phase of the project. The third phase was funded in part by the USGA through the GCSAA Foundation. The fourth phase launched in February 2025 with the release of the Water Use and Management Survey. Results from the water survey will be announced later in 2025. The fourth phase Nutrient and Pest Management survey will launch in the fall of 2025.
The project’s original five surveys yielded results that were analyzed and published in the peer-reviewed scientific journal Applied Turfgrass Science as well as in a comprehensive report in GCM.
Information established baseline data for documenting changes in environmental practices over time, helping set priorities for education, research, member services and environmental programs. The data also helped GCSAA respond to governmental inquiries and answer the public's questions about environmental issues.
The third phase surveys were conducted in 2021 and 2022, and the last third phase report was released in July 2023. The surveys were independently analyzed by scientists Travis Shaddox, Ph.D., Bluegrass Art and Science LLC., and J. Bryan Unruh, Ph.D. University of Florida and the National Golf Foundation (NGF), which published the findings for peer review before making the information public.
GCSAA contracted the NGF to develop and conduct the surveys online, on paper, and through other methods, and analyze results. The GCSAA Environmental Programs Committee and associated advisory panels, along with GCSAA staff determined content. PACE TURF LLC’s Wendy Gelernter, Ph.D, and Larry Stowell, Ph.D. were the scientists engaged for Phase II.
All superintendents, whether GCSAA members or not, were invited to participate in the surveys. GCSAA provided incentives for completing surveys. Data is reported in the aggregate, summarized by state, region or other geographic area. Responses from individual golf courses are not published or released.
Contact Josh Tapp, GCSAA director, environmental programs, at 800-472-7878, ext. 5161, or jtapp@gcsaa.org.