Where Does the Golf Industry Stand on the Environment?

No matter what industry you are in, if you are responsible for the care of the grounds, there is a expectation that you are good steward of the property. The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) is helping lead the way in environmental stewardship.  It is impressive that an industry driven by herbicides, pesticides, and maintenance equipment is actively researching and promoting more environmentally sound practices.

So what are we doing here at GCGC? Glad you asked. We’re continuously researching and implementing practices regarding different areas concerning our flora, chemical usage, equipment, and water controls.

• Flora
  • Utilization of Ornamental grasses for aesthetics, erosion control, and wayfinding
  • Implementing native grasses in areas that not considered in play while golfing
  • Researching shaded area coverage (pine straw, shaded grasses)
• Chemical Usage
  • Reduction in herbicides being applied
  • Reduction in pesticides being applied
  • Alternative fertilizer usage
  • Reduce fuel consumption
• Equipment
  • Utilization of reusable materials such as our sod faced bunkers
    • Less Erosion = Less Labor & Fuel Costs
  • High efficiency equipment and insulation practices within the buildings
• Water Controls
  • Ensuring our irrigation system is operating effectively and efficiently
  • Utilizing aerators in lieu of chemicals to control moss buildup
  • Ensuring our creeks and tile lines are effective managers of our water runoff

More to come as these move from ideas to implementation. We hope to make these positive changes, while keeping playability and aesthetics at the forefront of this project.