The five affiliated GCSAA chapters in the state of Ohio came together over the course of several years to publish the Best Management Practices for Ohio Golf Courses document. A collaborative effort between industry, state and academia, the Ohio best management practices document solidifies the superintendent's role as an environmental steward and professional land manager. 



The effort was led by a committee of superintendents from across the state. Encompassing a wide array of facility types and geographic regions within the state, the committee lent their expertise to ensure each of the twelve sections was relevant to the industry and featured the latest science based information. The committee members included: Ryan D'Autremont, Paul Derry, Tony Dierkers, CGCS, Matthew Doran, Tim Dunn, Mark Figurella, Bryan Fitch, Tim Glorioso, CGCS, Brian Heydinger Tim Kelley, Jason Mahl, Sean McHugh, CGCS, Shannon Pearson, Michael Takach and David Willmott. A very special thank you to these gentlemen for their tireless effort and expertise in review and preparation of Best Management Practices for Ohio Golf Courses document.

The chapters were additionally aided by turfgrass scientists and researchers from The Ohio State University. The Ohio EPA, Ohio Department of Natural Resources and Ohio Department of Agriculture offered further input. The project also featured leadership from GCSAA Secretary/Treasurer Mark Jordan, CGCS, and golf course architect Michael Hurdzan, Ph.D. Hurdzan provided both the introduction and foreword for the document where he composes: 

As a lifelong golfer and golf course architect, I have taken personal and professional interest in environmental matters on the golf course that began when I was a turf student and was required to read the book Silent Spring by Rachel Carson. Throughout my architectural career, I focused on long-term sustainable programs with each course I was involved in and creating environmentally sustainable areas to live and recreate. It is with great pride and enthusiasm I endorse this monumental work of the Ohio chapters of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America to formalize Best Management Practices for Ohio Golf Courses.

This manual is a culmination of efforts between industry, state agencies and academia in Ohio. Input from golf course superintendents, the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Ohio Department of Agriculture and The Ohio State University’s turfgrass scientists and researchers, provided the content for this ground breaking document. The BMP’s will provide Ohio golf courses guidelines to become more sustainable and resource conserving.

Intuitively it makes sense that the Ohio golf course superintendents should take the leadership role in this massive effort, for they have dedicated their life and career to working cooperatively with the environment and focusing on long term sustainability. I applaud their initiative and I am honored to provide this endorsement of this extraordinary and selfless effort. 

A huge thank you to all the aforementioned individuals who worked collaboratively on this groundbreaking project.