Lawrence, Kan. (April 21, 2020) – The hard work of the Carolinas Golf Course Superintendents Association, which resulted in the publication of “Best Management Practices for Carolinas Golf Courses” in 2016, is now available in GCSAA's online BMP tool.
The Carolinas GCSA received $18,350 in BMP grants that GCSAA funded through the association’s Environmental Institute for Golf (EIFG) in part by the PGA Tour. The BMP grant program provides funding through the EIFG to chapters for developing new guides, updating existing guides or for verification programs. GCSAA’s goal is to have all 50 states offer established BMPs by the end of 2020, and Carolinas was one of the first chapters to complete statewide BMPs.
The Carolinas BMPs provide guidance in 11 key areas including planning, water management and conservation, integrated pest management and environmental protection strategies.
"As leaders in the golf industry, we knew the importance of being proactive with our state governments,” Tim Kreger, Carolinas GCSA executive director said. “(Carolinas GCSA Past) President Bill Kennedy, CGCS, and Rounds 4 Research program had the initiative and funding to bring this project to reality, showcasing the positive environmental impacts golf has on our two states."
In addition to Kennedy, who is general manager at Chechessee Creek Club in Okatie, S.C., others who were crucial to the publication of the BMPs include David Lee, Ph.D., director of golf and grounds maintenance at Forest Creek Golf Club in Pinehurst, N.C., Adam Charles of Greenville, S.C.; Don Garrett, CGCS at The Walker Couse at Clemson (S.C.); Brian Powell, CGCS, director of agronomy, at Old Chatham Golf Club in Durham, N.C.; Danny Allen, superintendent at Camden (S.C.) Country Club; Billy Bagwell, director of agronomy at Callawassie Island Club in Okatie, S.C.; Rob Daniel, CGCS at RiverTowne Golf Course in Mount Pleasant, S.C.; Chris DeVane, superintendent of Country Club of Lexington (S.C.); Scott Kennon, CGCS, golf course maintenance director at Myers Park Country Club in Charlotte, N.C.; Drew Ramsey of Snowhill, N.C.; Charlie Spears, superintendent at Cherokee Plantation in Yemassee, S.C.; Brian Stiehler, CGCS, MG, at Highlands (N.C.) Country Club; Matthew Wharton, CGCS, MG, at Carolina Golf Club in Charlotte, N.C.; Steen Wansley of Madison, Miss.; Corey Hall, director of maintenance at Chechessee Creek Club in Okatie, S.C.; and Nate Stevely, superintendent at Chechessee Creek Club in Okatie, S.C.
To read “Best Management Practices for Carolinas Golf Courses” and to learn more about GCSAA’s BMP program, visit www.gcsaa.org/bmp.