Golf Digest, May 2008: How Green is Golf?

My issue arrived a couple days ago and my curiosity was immediately piqued by the teaser on the cover which proclaimed "The Most Important Article We've Ever Published"

I've almost finished reading it, and I couldn't be more pleased that GD has decided to address this issue with such vigour and even-handedness. I'm also gratified that our "golfing community", according to the GD surveys, is by and large on what I personally feel is the right side of this issue. Many of survey results surprised me in fact, and show a level of support for sustainable practices I hadn't expected.

They've published the entire piece online, and if you don't subscribe or buy it at the newsstand I encourage you to read it here: http://www.golfdigest.com/magazine/environment

What are your thoughts? Are you willing to play on brown grass if the water supply is low? Are you willing to play on less manicured conditions to reduce pesticide use?

I will admit that living in Oregon, it is probably a little easier for me to answer with an unreserved "yes" to these questions.

Just out of curiousity, I'm going to reproduce one of the survey questions here to see how the SandTrap lines up compared to the GD survey segment.

voted yes, because grass can be perfectly playable and slightly brown-us golfers are really lucky that we get to play on green courses day in and day out, taking one for the only place we can live, earth

I like the fact that golfers are more likely to ignore al gore than the general public..

yes we can

"Golfers are undecided about global warming’s origins; natural or man-made; typical adults are convinced we’re at fault "

dang

They just need to find another way to keep the grass green/ the bugs off.

Games are driving the computer industry to create new, better technology. Why can't the game of golf drive the lawn care industry to create new and better ways of taking care of grass?

i am sure there may be some evolution of the technology but what i think is key is an archaic revival. the mindset of having a monoculture lawn as a pristine carpet is an artificial imposition on nature which loves diversity. instead of introducing strains of grass that bring about the carpet effect with abundant water, fertilizer and herbicides, just mow whatever grows. so what if you have a few uneven lies. learn to hit the shot. they affect all players equally so its all part of the game and challenge of the course.

people and their home lawns are possessed with the same demon that golfers are. i for one don't see what the big problem is with dandelions. the golden flowers are beautiful and dandelion greens make a most nutritious salad

One thing I've learned in 20+ years in the golf course maintenance business is course playability has absolutely zero to do with aesthetics. In other words, it could be brown and dormant and play great, or green as Augusta and play poorly.

Also, a course that has reduced pesticide use doesn't necessarily mean playability suffers.

I read the article too, and some of the things they say about the future are SCARY!!!

Amen. I don't know why we Americans are so enamoured with perfectly manicured deep green courses. I've played some spectacular courses in England and Scotland that are very rough around the edges compared to most US courses and not nearly as green and manicured, but they were no less playable and lots of fun to play. I just got back from Michigan where the courses just opened for the season. The grass was not very green but the golf was super. We need to stop whining whenever a course doesn't look like Augusta National. I know its easy to get carried away with praise for courses in prstine condition. I do it myself, but we need to get over it and let golf get back to its roots. I thought the Golf Digest article was very interesting

Whats all this "we" shit? Please don't speak for me.

Of all the issues mentioned, the water issue is number one.

I don't mind playing firm fairways that are a little browner than are the norm at most courses. New courses in all regions of the United States, not just the Desert Southwest, will be challenged on their water usage. More efficient irrigation, using more drought resistant grass varieties, and using "grey" water for irrigation will have to become the standard. Energy costs are also going to have a big impact on golf courses too. Fuel for machinery, as well as the cost for fertilizers and pesticides that use a lot of energy in their production. I believe courses should be looking for ways to reduce their energy footprint in all phases of their operations. The result we should be striving for is a course that is less "picture perfect" but is resource efficient while providing an enjoyable golfing experience.

I have no problem playing brown grass if it brings more water to those who need.

Thanks for the positive participation, all.

I am curious, for those who are replying in the negative on the particular survey question I posted; why do you think we shouldn't worry about pesticide usage on our courses? Especially if there are less impactful and environmentally friendly ways to go about course maintainence?

Pesticide residues are showing up in breast milk! That can't be good.

Regardless of how you feel about the politics and the science of climate change, if it's possible to go about our passion in a way that is less disruptive of our ecosystem, why not do it?

Grow up. Whats with the "S**t" ? It doesn't mean all Americans and it doesn't mean I'm speaking for anyone other than myself. It was meant to say I'm an American and my observation that that is how courses are groomed and generally preferred here in the US as compared to England and Scotland. I've played more than 500 courses here and in the UK and I can assure you that for the most part courses there are not manicured the way they are here In any event, don't worry. I would never want to speak for YOU

I like my courses well-watered and green. They look better and are more fun to play on.

so do i but not at the expense of drying out aquifers

Great post. My new job involves using reclaimed water for irrigating a large golf course and other municipal areas. The use of reclaimed water has a lot of history in the US and is really starting to catch on in the Pacific NW. Kudos to those agencies and utilities seeing the treatment and reuse of reclaimed water as a benefit to all. This same course utilizes large sand filters to capture nutrient laden stormwater before allowing it to discharge off the course. The filters are inspected and maintained twice a year. I think that there are some courses, private and public, already using sustainable practies and have been for years. Not sure about other areas, but I know most state environmental agencies require the development of course management plans detailing the rate of herbicide, pesticide and fertilizer applications. I always take the time to ask about a new courses practices before I play. Just something I always do.