Download - The ‘Links’ Between Golf and the Environment Scott Duzan Ens 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