USGA and Sustainability

Is Your Course Environmentally and Economically Sound?

The game of golf faces many difficult issues, including environmental and economic sustainability. Environmental sustainability is impacted by water and wildlife issues. Economically, the cost of maintenance and shrinking free time for golfers presents challenges. The goal is to help courses assess their own situation and develop actions to improve.

Click each question to reveal a collection of resources generated by the USGA Green Section staff and USGA-funded research.

Does Your Facility Have a Written Set Of Maintenance Standards?

Golf course maintenance standards are guidelines that detail the manner in which a golf course is maintained on a daily basis. These plans can be very helpful in addressing budgetary concerns and customer expectations.
Is The Course Maintained In A Manner Consistent With The Available Budget and Labor?

Managing expectations while still maximizing the playing quality and long-term health of a golf course is a challenge nearly every facility faces. These items provide insight into this critical aspect of course care.
Does The Facility Have A Written Environmental Plan?

An environmental management plan identifies environmental assets on the golf course, defines the goals for maximizing these areas and outlines implementation strategies.
How Is The Golf Maintenance Facility Minimizing Risks To The Environment?

A proactive approach and choosing projects that cut costs and reduce risk can minimize potential problems, allowing a golf course to serve as an environmental model.
How Are Golf Course Water Features Protected?

Maintaining good water quality is a priority for golfers, wildlife and the environment. Many best management practices routinely recommend that golf course superintendents maintain a vegetated buffer around water features to help filter the water and protect the water feature, as well as provide habitat for wildlife.
Is Your Course An Active Member Of The Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program

The Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses (ACSP) is an award-winning education and certification program that helps golf courses protect the environment and preserve the natural heritage of the game of golf.
Does Your Course Make Effective Use Of Naturalized Areas?

Naturalized areas have been an integral part of golf courses since the game was first played on the Scottish linksland, and can be cost-and environmentally-friendly.
Have You Completed A Tree Inventory Assessment?

Taking a casual attitude toward planting and maintaining trees without considering the long-range implications and expenses can have a negative impact on your course care program. These links provide valuable information on this critical topic.

Is Your Course Environmentally and Economically Sound?

Does Your Facility Have a Written Set Of Maintenance Standards?

Is The Course Maintained In A Manner Consistent With The Available Budget and Labor?

Does The Facility Have A Written Environmental Plan?

How Is The Golf Maintenance Facility Minimizing Risks To The Environment?

How Are Golf Course Water Features Protected?

Is Your Course An Active Member Of The Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program

Does Your Course Make Effective Use Of Naturalized Areas?

Have You Completed A Tree Inventory Assessment?