The ‘Links’ Between Golf and the Environment Scott Duzan Ens Senior Capstone Project

Introduction to the system Focus areas: Water usage and management Fertilizer/Pesticide usage and management Wildlife management Eco-friendly practices for golf courses Suggestions and conclusion Q & A session Overview

Impact of Golf Courses on the Environment Water usage Fertilizers and pesticides Wildlife and biodiversity Land usage Traffic and noise Energy usage Economic benefits Visual impact Impact of Golf Courses on the Environment

Golf’s Popularity on the Rise Game gains notoriety: 1970’s Course construction boom: 1980’s Popular athletes, golf-related movies are catalysts Recent USGA report: $18 billion industry 24.5 million Americans play golf 14,500 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’s Shift: ecologically sound to environmental disaster Rejection of course construction projects Fear, mixed feelings among turf industry leaders USGA takes a stand; intensive research projects Concerns Arise

Water Usage Irrigate, Irrigate, Irrigate Highly visible action Depleting local water sources Polluting local water sources USGA responds Water Usage

Water Management 1 Develop new cultivars: Require less water Use brackish water or ocean water Collaborate with CIT Improved technology: Weather, climate stations on site Irrigation system upgrades ‘Best Management’ practices Water Management 1

Water Management 2 Alternative water sources Use brackish water or ocean water Reverse osmosis desalinization plants Employ principles in course design Education and awareness Collaborate with EPA, ACSP, Sierra Club… Water Management 2

Fertilizer/Pesticide Usage Pressure to have lush, bright green turf Credited for golf course development Again, highly visible action Nutrient/pesticide leaching Nutrient/pesticide runoff USGA responds Fertilizer/Pesticide Usage

Fertilizer/Pesticide Research Divided projects among 12 universities Leaching and runoff impacted by: Sandy soils and heavy irrigation – increased rates Younger turf – increased rates Dense 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 year Apply recommended amount Use slow-release fertilizers/pesticides Increase frequency, decrease dosage Develop more accurate mathematical models Employ integrated pest management (IPM): Structured monitoring Fertilizer/Pesticide Management

Wildlife Management Concerns Negative image in media Habitat fragmentation, loss, modification Introduction of non-native species Wildlife Management Concerns

Wildlife Management 1 USGA claims: Golf courses = attractive habitat High biodiversity High density of earthworms; indicator species Courses control local pest populations USGA makes efforts to protect wildlife: Protect sensitive, endangered species Use native plant species when possible Use biological, non-chemical controls for pests Wildlife Management 1

Wildlife Management 2 Burrowing Owl study: Endangered species Suited to golf course ‘habitat’ Low cost, low maintenance artificial habitat Owls provide pest management, charisma Wildlife Management 2

England biodiversity studies: Courses do have increased biodiversity Older courses usually provide more habitat Patch dynamics, metapopulation considerations Wildlife Management 3

Eco-friendly Practices 1 What does eco-friendly mean for golf courses? Course construction Site selection Turf management Water usage and management Pesticide/Fertilizer usage and management Wildlife management Golf courses not inherently good or bad Eco-Friendly Practices 1

Eco-friendly Practices 2 Environmental consulting firms join the fray Services provided Rating systems Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program: Low cost Complete evaluation Certification in seven areas Lists of eco-friendly golf courses Golfers willing to pay more for certified courses Extensive economic study Eco-friendly Practices 2

Green Fees

Course Location

Golf courses are substitutes for open space More or less guaranteed Most courses use peak-load pricing Avg. Green Fees Non-certified course: $54.16 Env. planning certified course: $71.04 Env. planning plus certified course: $72.18 Audubon Sanctuary course: $87.25 Audubon S. Signature course: $87.95 Results

Eco-friendly Practices 3 Pros get involved Course design Education and awareness Eco-friendly golf supplies Biodegradable balls, tees Price vs. Performance Eco-friendly Practices 3

Permaculture Ideas Permaculture = permanance + culture Zone and sector planning: Planning tools for best relative location Seek energy efficiency Zones: Many elements support each function Multiple functions for each element Sectors: Observe first, design second Permaculture Ideas

Suggestions Continue fertilizer/pesticide research Examine new grass cultivars effectiveness Integrate accepted ecological principles with golf courses Advertise ACSP Improve education; more publications Get more pros and course designers involved Suggestions 1

Suggestions Conduct environmental impact surveys Make small-scale changes Recycle whenever possible Compost grass clippings Carefully consider site selection process Utilize what nature has provided Suggestions 2

Quasi-promising future: Certified eco- friendly courses on the rise Golfers willing to pay a premium Many ecological questions still to be answered Conclusion