Golf Course Environmental Analysis

Golf is a popular sport because it provides exercise, is a source of recreation in a natural environment, and cultivates business opportunities. As professional golfer Tom Watson once articulated, “No other game combines the wonder of nature with discipline of sport in such carefully planned ways,” (Coursing with capability, 2013, para. 1). Golf courses must take the responsibility of environmental stewardship seriously. They must employ responsible management practices to avoid harm as they plan, build, and operate on a daily basis. Environmental planning, wildlife and habitat management, water and energy conservation are fundamental strategies for creating and fostering a sustainable golf program, (Lupkes, 2017). Educating and training

It is the first element to long-term success and requires identifying and managing all environmental issues and being aware of and adhering to best environmental management practices, (Carrow & Fletcher, 2007). With courses being developed on land with diverse environments that range from streams to ponds, wetlands to grasslands, and woodlands to forests, this task is monumental and challenging, (Von Kaitz, 2010). Conducting an assessment is an essential component in developing the plan. The assessment should include a map highlighting wildlife habitats and water resources. A plan should then be developed that minimizes the need to alter or remove existing native landscape, trees, and vegetation and provide opportunities for restoration or enhancement of valuable habitats, (Burdge & Cristol, 2008). Assessing and planning in this manner will provide long-term benefits and display a commitment to sustainability. Money will be saved on landscape maintenance and energy costs, improvements to the overall environment will be made, and a positive image for the course will be promoted, (Carrow & Fletcher, 2007). To reap these benefits, courses must be

A significant amount of energy is needed to charge carts, run pumps for irrigation, provide power for the clubhouse, pro shop, and other buildings. Grass and plants need water to survive. Where large quantities of water come from and conserving this commodity are challenges faced by many golf courses. According to the USGA, best management practices for energy and water conservation combines educating and training employees on selecting proper plants and maintenance that provides adequate turf quality for the game while minimizing water use, (USGA, 2017). It is maintaining equipment to maximize efficiency and minimize waste. Selecting turf grasses, ground covers, shrubs, and trees that require little water, using soil cultivation techniques to improve water filtration and minimize runoff, incorporating storage ponds, and using effluent or brackish water are a few examples of best management practices for golf course water conservation, (USGA, 2017). The Old Collier Golf Club demonstrated its understanding of these management practices by incorporating eleven water management lakes to control rainfall and drainage and installing a turf that is irrigated with brackish water from the nearby river, (Love, 2008). Ponds, streams, and one large impoundment were constructed on the Hunting Hawk Golf Course to collect and recycle water for irrigation to the highly maintained areas, (Love, 2010). Lower water usage,