Golf provides many benefits to communities, including an $84-billion economy, $4 billion in charitable impact, 2 million jobs and fitness opportunities. In addition, golf courses that are maintained through science-based agronomic and environmental best management practices (BMPs) provide healthy greenspaces and wildlife habitat that benefit everyone.
Best Management Practices demonstrate golf’s professional aptitude and attitude as responsible businesses and stewards of the land and resources. The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) is spearheading the documentation and communication of golf’s professional management through the creation of BMP manuals at U.S. golf courses, with support from the USGA and PGA Tour. The goal is to have state-specific BMP guidelines in all 50 states by 2020. Forty-one states are on track to be finished by the end of 2019. GCSAA’s online planning guide and template gives state committees an easy online tool to use, and once a state has a published guideline, then individual golf courses in the state can use it to create a facility-specific manual.
In celebration of Earth Day, here are a few facts on the way BMPs are changing how golf courses are managed and increasing the benefits to the communities they serve:
- GCSAA’s BMPs include four focus areas: water conservation, water quality protection, pollution prevention and energy conservation.
- BMPs are a community effort. In addition to superintendents and other golf industry experts, state BMP guidelines are developed in partnership with universities, conservation groups, water groups and state agencies including state departments of agriculture, environmental protection, natural resources and more.
- BMP adoption takes the whole golf facility. While superintendents will lead efforts at the facility level, BMPs also provide architects, builders, owners, managers and golfers with a framework for a sustainable approach to golf course management.
- BMPs help maintain healthy turfgrass, which makes for quality playing surfaces.
- State BMP guidelines can also be applied to parks, athletic fields, lawns and gardens or any other plant-based area.
- BMPs protect and provide for healthy soil and water, as well as food and habitat for pollinators and other wildlife.
For more information about GCSAA’s BMP initiative, visit www.gcsaa.org/bmp.
About GCSAA and the EIFG
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. From its headquarters in Lawrence, Kan., the association provides education, information and representation to more than 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. Visit GCSAA at www.gcsaa.org, or find us on Facebook or Twitter. Visit our industry-leading magazine at GCMonline.com.
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. Visit EIFG at www.eifg.org, or find us on Facebook or Twitter.
Associate Director, Communications
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