The Benefits of Green Spaces in Golf Courses

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Although many Americans enjoy working in their yards and maintaining an attractive landscape, they may not realize the tangible benefits of their efforts. These same benefits are available on the golf course where the combination of mowed turf, trees and natural areas provides a diverse environment for people and wildlife. Preserving these green spaces improves the environmental quality of the entire community.

As the golf has become more popular, people have become interested in how golf affects land resources and the environment. Many organizations in golf are actively answering these questions. In the past several years, the United States Golf Association (USGA) has supported more than 90 university studies and research projects to evaluate the relationship between golf and the environment.

This document highlights the benefits of turf, trees and natural areas as commonly found on golf courses. The information presented about these benefits is supported by factual, unbiased university research. Further information about any specific benefit - and the research from which it was drawn - can be provided by the USGA.

The golf course ecosystem:
Provides wildlife habitat

Protects topsoil from water and wind erosion

Improves community aesthetics

Absorbs and filters rain

Improves health and reduces stress for more than 24.5 million golfers

Improves air quality

Captures and cleanses runoff in urban areas

Discourages pests (e.g. ticks and mosquitoes)

Restores damaged land areas (e.g. former landfill or mining sites)

Makes substantial contributions to the community's economy

1) Golf Course Roughs And Trees Create Good Wildlife Habitat
More than 70 percent of most golf courses are rough and non-play...

... middle of paper ...

.... This allows it to absorb even more water and hold it.

Many communities have found that a golf course is an excellent way to restore damaged areas. Beautiful golf courses exist today where abandoned quarries, strip mines and landfills once stood. Golf courses combine the benefits of turf with the beauty of landscaping. The result is a total reclamation of land for the community.

10) Golf Contributes To The Community's Economy
Golf has grown in popularity. It now appeals to a broader range of people than ever before. United States golf course facilities impact the economy at an estimated $18 billion each year. Today, more than 24.5 million men, women and youth spend 2.4 billion hours outside, playing one of the 14,500-plus golf courses. The USGA is working to make golf accessible everyone. More than 78 percent of the rounds played are on public golf courses.

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