The ‘Links’ Between Golf and the Environment

Scott DuzanEns Senior Capstone Project

5-1-05

Introduction to the systemFocus areas:

Water usage and managementFertilizer/Pesticide usage and managementWildlife management

Eco-friendly practices for golf coursesSuggestions and conclusionQ & A session

Overview

Impact of Golf Courses on the Environment

Water usageFertilizers and pesticidesWildlife and biodiversityLand usageTraffic and noiseEnergy usageEconomic benefitsVisual impact

Impact of Golf Courses on the Environment

Golf’s Popularity on the Rise

Game gains notoriety: 1970’sCourse construction boom: 1980’sPopular athletes, golf-related movies are catalystsRecent USGA report:

$18 billion industry24.5 million Americans play golf14,500 golf courses (public and private)

Golf’s Popularity on the Rise

Impact of the Environment on Golf Courses

Outdoor experience“No other land based sport has as much human-environment interaction as does the game of golf” Stuart Bloch, former USGA President

Impact of the Environment on Golf Courses

Concerns Arise

Environmental issues become hot topics: 1970’sShift: ecologically sound to environmental disasterRejection of course construction projectsFear, mixed feelings among turf industry leadersUSGA takes a stand; intensive research projects 1989-1997

Concerns Arise

Water Usage

Irrigate, Irrigate, IrrigateHighly visible actionDepleting local water sourcesPolluting local water sourcesUSGA responds

Water Usage

Water Management 1

Develop new cultivars:Require less waterUse brackish water or ocean water

Collaborate with CITImproved technology:

Weather, climate stations on siteIrrigation system upgrades

‘Best Management’ practices

Water Management 1

Water Management 2

Alternative water sourcesUse brackish water or ocean waterReverse osmosis desalinization plants

Employ principles in course designEducation and awarenessCollaborate with EPA, ACSP, Sierra Club…

Water Management 2

Fertilizer/Pesticide Usage

Pressure to have lush, bright green turfCredited for golf course developmentAgain, highly visible actionNutrient/pesticide leachingNutrient/pesticide runoffUSGA responds

Fertilizer/Pesticide Usage

Fertilizer/Pesticide Research

Divided projects among 12 universitiesLeaching and runoff impacted by:

Sandy soils and heavy irrigation – increased ratesYounger turf – increased ratesDense turf and aerated soil – decreased rates

Less dangerous than agricultural fertilizers/pesticides

Risk assessment: exposure to pesticides is low

Fertilizer/Pesticide Research

Follow manufacturer’s directions:Apply at proper time of yearApply recommended amount

Use slow-release fertilizers/pesticidesIncrease frequency, decrease dosageDevelop more accurate mathematical modelsEmploy integrated pest management (IPM):

Structured monitoring

Fertilizer/Pesticide Management

Wildlife Management Concerns

Negative image in mediaHabitat fragmentation, loss, modificationIntroduction of non-native species

Wildlife Management Concerns

Wildlife Management 1

USGA claims:Golf courses = attractive habitatHigh biodiversityHigh density of earthworms; indicator speciesCourses control local pest populations

USGA makes efforts to protect wildlife:Protect sensitive, endangered speciesUse native plant species when possibleUse biological, non-chemical controls for pests

Wildlife Management 1

Wildlife Management 2

Burrowing Owl study:Endangered speciesSuited to golf course ‘habitat’Low cost, low maintenance artificial habitatOwls provide pest management, charisma

Wildlife Management 2

Wildlife Management 2

England biodiversity studies:

Courses do have increased biodiversityOlder courses usually provide more habitatPatch dynamics, metapopulation considerations

Wildlife Management 3

Eco-friendly Practices 1

What does eco-friendly mean for golf courses?

Course constructionSite selectionTurf managementWater usage and managementPesticide/Fertilizer usage and managementWildlife management

Golf courses not inherently good or bad

Eco-Friendly Practices 1

Eco-friendly Practices 2

Environmental consulting firms join the fray

Services providedRating systems

Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program:Low costComplete evaluationCertification in seven areas

Lists of eco-friendly golf coursesGolfers willing to pay more for certified coursesExtensive economic study

Eco-friendly Practices 2

1997 Mean Cart & Greens Fee

$84.3 to $96.5 (1)$72 to $84.3 (1)$59.7 to $72 (6)$47.4 to $59.7 (18)$35.1 to $47.4 (25)

Green Fees

Course Location

Number of Courses

1,000 to 1,270 (1)750 to 1,000 (5)500 to 750 (4)250 to 500 (14)

0 to 250 (27)

Golf courses are substitutes for open space

More or less guaranteed

Most courses use peak-load pricingAvg. Green Fees

Non-certified course: $54.16Env. planning certified course: $71.04Env. planning plus certified course: $72.18Audubon Sanctuary course: $87.25Audubon S. Signature course: $87.95

Results

Eco-friendly Practices 3

Pros get involvedCourse designEducation and awareness

Eco-friendly golf supplies

Biodegradable balls, teesPrice vs. Performance

Eco-friendly Practices 3

Permaculture Ideas

Permaculture = permanance + cultureZone and sector planning:

Planning tools for best relative locationSeek energy efficiency

Zones:Many elements support each functionMultiple functions for each element

Sectors:Observe first, design second

Permaculture Ideas

Suggestions

Continue fertilizer/pesticide researchExamine new grass cultivars effectivenessIntegrate accepted ecological principles with golf courses

Advertise ACSPImprove education; more publications

Get more pros and course designers involved

Suggestions 1

Suggestions

Conduct environmental impact surveys

Make small-scale changes

Recycle whenever possibleCompost grass clippingsCarefully consider site selection processUtilize what nature has provided

Suggestions 2

Quasi-promising future:

Certified eco-friendly courses on the riseGolfers willing to pay a premiumMany ecological questions still to be answered

Conclusion