Vicki Martz, ASGCA

Representing the American Society of Golf Course Architects (ASGCA) and as a member of the Board of Trustees of the Environmental Institute for Golf (EIFG)—the philanthropic and environmental research arm of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA), I would like to share with you information concerning the recent publication of the Golf Course Environmental Profile, vol. II: Water Use and Conservation Practices on U.S. Golf Courses.

This research report provides important data regarding water management for golf facilities across different agronomic regions. It gives a detailed review of the water-conserving practices currently utilized by course superintendents throughout the U.S., and it offers suggestions for the continued conservation of water on U.S. golf courses. The National Golf Foundation (NGF) conducted the survey, completed the analysis in collaboration with the GCSAA and released this profile at the Golf Industry Show in February.

Much of the data indicates that the golf industry is proactive in using water responsibly. Golf courses account for only one-half of one percent of all water used annually and just one and one half percent of all irrigated water. Only 14 percent of golf courses utilize water from municipal water systems.

Spring Island, Beaufort, South Carolina - Hole 17

The profile also explained that the majority of superintendents at 18-hole golf facilities utilize numerous methods to conserve water, including:

• The use of wetting agents (92 percent)
• Hand watering (78 percent)
• Keeping turf drier than in the past (69 percent)    

By using information documenting current practices as a starting point, the golf industry can better respond to environmental challenges and become more pro-active in setting goals for sustainable golf design and management.

Future profiles will address specifics about both water quality and energy consumption of golf courses. This thorough environmental review of golf facilities across the nation will assist the golf industry in its long term commitment to sustainability. By understanding current management practices, the golf industry can provide specific opportunities for future sharing of conservation ideas and techniques.

Members of the ASGCA are committed to design that respects the land and the natural environment. As leaders in sustainable design and partners of the golf industry, we encourage the collaborative research and education provided by the EIFG, which focuses its research efforts in the areas of water conservation, water quality protection, and energy conservation.

For information about An Environmental Approach to Golf Course Development, vol. III, with case studies and examples of pro-active design solutions, please visit here. If you have not received a copy of Golf Course Environmental Profile, vol. I: Property Profile and Environmental Stewardship of Golf Courses, it is available online for downloading on here.

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