Survey series started in 2006 provides critical data to golf industry for assessment and best practices

Lawrence, Kan. (Oct. 12, 2021) –  The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) will seek critically needed data from superintendents regarding water use and conservation practices to support the profession and industry as part of the on-going efforts to maintain necessary golf course management resources.

To collect the data, an in-depth questionnaire will be sent electronically to superintendents at approximately 14,000 facilities. The water study is part of the third phase of GCSAA’s Golf Course Environmental Profile survey program, which will consist of three surveys that are funded by the GCSAA Foundation.

Since 2006, the data collected has enabled GCSAA to help members succeed and support the golf industry. GCSAA needs representation from across the U.S. from members, non-members and all facility types. Superintendents should look for an email from the National Golf Foundation, which is conducting the survey on behalf of the GCSAA, or find access on GCSAA’s website. The Golf Course Environmental Profile survey program will be administered by Mark Johnson, associate director of environmental programs for GCSAA. The information will be analyzed independently by J. Bryan Unruh, Ph.D. and Travis Shaddox, Ph.D. All superintendents should participate, and those who complete the surveys will receive 0.50 service points and be entered into drawings for prizes. 

“We need current data to best support the Best Management Practices Initiative used to advocate for the profession and industry as well as being able to measure change and trend analysis for the future,” said GCSAA President Mark Jordan, CGCS, natural resources leader at Westfield Country Club in Westfield Center, Ohio.

The results from the water use survey will be announced in 2022 and compared against numbers from the first phase in 2006 and the second phase in 2014.

“Data gathered from the previous GCEP surveys has proven invaluable during policy conversations with lawmakers and regulators,” said Chava McKeel, director of government affairs for GCSAA. “Environmental data is the backbone of all our advocacy efforts. Science and data should drive policymaking decisions affecting golf facilities.”

Other surveys will follow in 2022 with publications into 2023 on nutrient use and management practices, land use and environmental stewardship. All the topics will closely mirror the first two phases. In addition to the water survey, the nutrient survey next spring, and the property survey will launch in late summer or early fall of 2022. 

For more information about the Golf Course Environmental Profile, visit www.gcsaa.org/GCEP.