Golf And Environmental
Stewardship The USGA Green Section understands importance
of protecting and conserving natural resources, while
looking for better ways to preserve and care for golf
courses
April 22, 2009
By Mike Kenna, Ph.D. Underlying the game of golf are countless agronomic and
environmental advancements that are often taken for
granted. The game is played on a natural playing surface,
woven together to protect the soil and to allow water to
seep into the ground. Shorelines, creeks, ponds, meadows
and forests in and around golf courses provide a home to
countless species of birds, amphibians, mammals and
pollinators. The United States Golf Association understands
the importance of protecting the environment and conserving
natural resources, and that is why it has supported
turfgrass and environmental research since the USGA Green
Section department was founded in 1920.  | | Patriot bermudagrass, above, was
developed with support from the USGA Turfgrass and
Environmental Research Program to provide excellent
playing conditions, no matter what the season, while
using less water and pesticides. |
During the last 25 years, the USGA has rallied
scientists to begin finding solutions to new problems the
golf industry will confront, among them how best to deal
with declining resources for an ever-growing population.
There is a very long list of accomplishments that the USGA
had guided in cooperation with the U.S. Department of
Agriculture, universities and companies that provide
products and programs used for golf course care. Since
1983, the Association has supported more than 400
university research projects at a cost of more than $30
million. Alone, this financial commitment by the USGA
underscores the importance of minimizing the amount of
water, energy, and pesticides used on golf courses. Research has provided answers, whether it is new grasses
that withstand the diverse climates of North America, or
innovative maintenance practices to help them thrive. To
cite just a few recent advances in the area of turfgrass
cultivars, the USGA Green Section expertise and funding has
helped to develop: - New bentgrasses with better heat tolerance
and resistance to disease.
- New cold-hardy bermudagrasses that require
less water and reduce pesticide use in the
transition-zone states.
- Seashore paspalum that can withstand poor
quality, saline water.
- Native grasses, such as buffalograss and
inland saltgrass, that can endure periods of drought
while still providing playable, low-maintenance
rough.
The environmental consequences of actions taken on the
golf course need to be understood, including the amount of
energy used, fertilizers and pesticides applied and water
required to maintain playing surfaces for the enjoyment of
the game. USGA research tells us that the grasses used on golf
courses can get by with less water, if golfers are willing
to accept a course that is firm and dry, rather than lush
and wet. On many courses there are areas that should be
left to survive on natural rainfall and not be irrigated at
all. We must continue to look for alternative sources of
water, particularly recycled water or storm-water runoff,
which, in turn, benefit from an additional cleansing
provided by golf course grasses. Reducing fertilizers and
pesticides by using proper management practices is
achievable with the help and support of golfers. Water
conservation, as well as the protection and enhancement of
wildlife habitat, must be embraced by golf courses and
golfers who enjoy these open spaces. Mike Kenna, Ph.D., directs the USGA Turfgrass and
Environmental Research Program. Editor's note: A great amount of information
about turfgrass and environmental research is available
online, starting with this list of related
links: Using Turfgrass And Environmental Research On The
Internet The Bethpage Green Course Project A Step-By-Step Guide For Using Recycled Water Audubon International's Cooperative Sanctuary
Program For Golf Courses Take The Pledge For Greener Golf Improving Environmental Performance Seashore Paspalum: Breeding A Turfgrass For The
Future Bermudagrass Freeze Tolerance Desert Saltgrass: A Potential New Turfgrass
Species The Mystery Of Creeping Bentgrass Heat
Tolerance Improving Dollar-Spot Resistance In Creeping
Bentgrass Bermudagrass Cultivars With High Quality And
Improved Cold-Hardiness
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