When it comes to promoting the positive environmental impacts that golf courses provide, there is no better theater than the facility at Old Collier Golf Club in Naples, Fla. I recently had the opportunity to participate in the EPA Regulators’ Tour at Old Collier with representatives from our industry and 42 individuals from multiple offices in the EPA.

Director of Golf Course Operations Todd Draffen conducted the annual event with the support of Todd Lowe, USGA Agronomist, Brian Beckner, from Native Bird Boxes, David Dore-Smith, superintendent at Copperleaf Golf Club, Florida GCSA Executive Director Jennifer Bryan, and myself.

The day was perfect as the bus unloaded with a swarm of EPA officials anxious to behold what the facility had to offer. Quite honestly, so was I. I had been on property many years ago and remembered how magnificent everything was back then and was anticipating the splendor again.

As the tour commenced, I quickly realized that the group was not going to be disappointed. We broke into smaller, manageable groups of about 10-12 individuals and lead them through the maintenance facility. Every aspect of the area was impeccably maintained as we stopped in every major area.

Our first stop was the irrigation room as Brian Beckner lead our group and explained the tools such as the soil moisture meters and the computer system and how the technology worked in tandem to minimize the amount of water used on the course. I was able to promote the GCSAA Golf Course Environmental Profile Surveys and noted that over a 10-year period water use on golf courses was reduced in the Southeastern U.S. by nearly 39 percent.

After perusing the equipment, which looked like it had just been delivered from the showroom (just another example of how well maintained everything is), we toured the materials storage area, the fertilizer storage, and pesticide mix/load areas. I was anticipating comments and questions to ensue, but because everything was immaculate and properly maintained there were only a few comments of a positive nature. When we completed our maintenance building tour in the equipment repair area and conditions were so tidy you felt like you could eat your lunch off any surface, we moved out on to the golf course.



Todd Draffen addressed the entire group on the course as we discussed the selection of Paspalum for grassing the course to allow for lower quality water to be used for irrigation. My words cannot convey how spectacular every feature of the golf course is at Old Collier. As we continued around the course, the EPA officials observed eagles in flight while fledglings nested above. At another stop, a huge osprey nest was being maintained as one of the osprey flew directly over the group then returned to the nest as though it was trained to do so. The way the golf course stands within an urban environment exemplifies how well the land provides greenspace that is a valuable resource for wildlife that would otherwise not have refuge to live.

The tour concluded with an opportunity for the EPA officials to operate a few pieces of equipment and see how precisely maintained the grounds are kept on a regular basis. It was enjoyable to watch them run the greens roller and struggle to keep it moving in a straight path. While driving home I reflected on the day’s message, and felt a great sense of pride to work in an industry that truly practices such care for the environment and employs some of the best stewards of the land.