Handbook promotes healthy green spaces for optimal performance and environmental sustainability within the Hawai’i golf industry

WAILUKU, HI (October 1, 2019) The Hawai’i Golf Course Superintendents Association (HGCSA) today released a handbook of Hawai’i Golf Maintenance Best Management Practices (BMPs). The handbook promotes environmental stewardship, golf course playability, and overall health of the Hawai’i golf and tourism industries.

The BMPs provide guidance for Hawai’i golf course maintenance professionals covering twelve key areas including archaeological awareness, wildlife protection, surface water management and water quality monitoring, nutrient use, integrated pest management, energy, and others. 

“We’re proud to release the handbook, the HGCSA encourages its 125 members to perform at the highest standards with ongoing care and respect for the environment,” said Nanea Golf Club superintendent, HGCSA president, and BMP steering committee co-chair Scott Main. “It’s important for collaboration within our communities.”

The HGCSA is the first state chapter to integrate the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) throughout its handbook. The SDGs, or Global Goals, are a universal call-to-action to end poverty, protect the planet, and promote peace and prosperity.

"Our goal is to provide healthy green spaces, honoring the land, tradition, and people of Hawai’i,” said sustainability consulting firm Radius Sports Group President and HGCSA steering committee co-chair Gina Rizzi. “Integrating the Sustainable Hawai’i Initiative and SDGs demonstrates how Hawai’i’s golf maintenance practices align to local and global goals.”

The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA), supported by the United States Golf Association (USGA) and PGA TOUR, provided state chapters with a national BMP template and grant through the Environmental Institute for Golf (EIFG) to help develop guidelines specific to each state by 2020. The HGCSA BMP steering committee, comprised of superintendents, experts from the University of Hawai’i, and sustainability field, authored the book. Radius helped develop the guide and conducted a stakeholder review with industry leaders and officials from the Hawai’i Departments of Health and Agriculture.

“Golf maintenance is a critical function,” said Main. “Our efforts can help conserve resources and enhance community relations, plus support jobs, golf rounds, and occupancy levels to drive local economic impact. We appreciate GCSAA, USGA, and the PGA Tour, in addition to our local and national affiliate partners who have supported the handbook: John Deere, Pacific Golf & Turf, DHR Construction, Inc., Ness Turf Equipment, Simplot, Southern Turf Hawaii, Toro, Water Controls, B. Hayman Co., Nutrien, Pacific Pipe Co., and Big Island Mechanical & Construction.”

The handbook is now available online at www.hawaiigolfbmp.org or www.hawaiigolfbmp.org/bmphome/hawaiibmp-handbook.

About HGCSA, GCSAA, and the EIFG
The Hawai’i Golf Course Superintendents Association (HGCSA) is focused on golf course maintenance within the state of Hawai’i. Its 125 professional members include superintendents, agronomists, assistant superintendents, mechanics, and other golf maintenance roles throughout Hawai’i. www.hgcsa.org

The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) is a leading golf organization in the United States. Its focus is on golf course management, and since 1926 GCSAA has been the top professional association for the men and women who manage golf courses in the U.S. and worldwide. Based in Lawrence, KS, the association provides education, information and representation to nearly 18,000 members in more than 78 countries. The association’s mission is to serve its members, advance their profession and enhance the enjoyment, growth and vitality of the game of golf. www.gcsaa.org

The Environmental Institute for Golf is the philanthropic organization of the GCSAA. Its mission is to foster sustainability through research, awareness, education, programs and scholarships for the benefit of golf course management professionals, golf facilities and the game. www.eifg.org                                                                 

About Radius Sports Group

Radius Sports Group is a sustainability consulting firm focused on connecting sustainability and sports. It drives environmental, social, and economic impact through engaging leaders of sports franchises, facilities, golf courses, management companies, industry suppliers, and governing bodies, to deliver revenue growth and reduce costs, while positively impacting society and the environment. www.radiussportsgroup.com

*Thank you to the staff of Radius Sports Group for providing this press release.