Pesticides

The responsible use of pesticides is essential to maintaining healthy turfgrass. Healthy turfgrass allows communities to enjoy many benefits including: creation of critical “greenspaces", providing wildlife habitat and ensuring recreational opportunities. There are many other environment benefits to healthy turfgrass, including the capture of run-off pollutants in stormwater, temperature buffer, erosion control and serving as a protective barrier to groundwater. In addition, many entities, both public and private, rely on healthy green spaces like golf courses as a key component in maintaining financial revenues.

Pesticide laws and regulations should be based on sound science supported by credible peer reviewed data and university recommendations. Golf courses employ licensed pesticide applicators that are required to pass state administered exams and complete continuing education each year. These applicators are trained in the safe and proper use of pesticides within an integrated pest management (IPM) system. Golf course superintendents follow the best management practices for proper pesticide management on the course. GCSAA launched in 2017 the 50 by 2020 BMP initiative. The goal of this landmark initiative was to have all 50 states with a BMP program in place by 2020 to ensure protection of human health and the environment and demonstrate the industry’s commitment to environmental stewardship. This goal was accomplished at the end of 2020.

Golf course superintendents utilize pesticides in conjunction with integrated pest management (IPM) practices to best control pests and maintain healthy turf. Best management practices, continuing education, peer-reviewed research and technology are important elements for an IPM approach for golf course superintendents. The latest technology in application equipment is used on golf courses which allows for precise application of pesticides. Pesticide production is highly regulated in the U.S. through the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act which requires that pesticides cause "no unreasonable adverse effect" to humans or the environment – including water quality and aquatic species. Pesticides used to maintain healthy golf course turf have been thoroughly tested by EPA. As a result, use labels are crafted to protect these resources and must be strictly followed: the “label is the law.” The safe and responsible use of pesticides, and the continued availability of effective products, is a top priority for GCSAA and its members. This priority was reinforced in 2000 when GCSAA members passed an addition to the association’s bylaws creating new entry and maintenance membership standards for Class A members. As of July 1, 2003, to maintain their membership status, Class A members must obtain a state pesticide applicator license or successfully complete a GCSAA-developed IPM exam which tests on principles of pesticide usage. Specific pesticide sub issues include:

State Preemption/Pesticide Bans
Pesticide Regulation
Endangered Species Act
Pollinators

The 2021 survey, A Continued Investigation into Pest Management Practices on U.S. Golf Courses, was conducted by GCSAA and showed the number of golf facilities engaging in the pest management practices listed in the survey remains high; 13 of the 17 practices included in the study were used by more than 50% of the courses. High use of various pest management practices reflects efforts by the golf industry to reduce the use of pesticides as the sole treatment for turfgrass pests. Some individual practices saw increased use while some saw decreased use, but it is important to remember that pesticide use is influenced by pest pressure, climate and other environmental factors. The most frequently used pest management practices according to the report included monitoring the weather, scouting, employing pesticide resistance management strategies, improving turfgrass health, implementing cultural practices and spot treatment of damage.