By Design - Fall 2016

4 / 30

G olf course superintendents
used 21.8 per cent less water
overall, and just 1.44 percent
of all irrigated water in the U.S.,
to maintain their courses in 2013
compared with usage in 2005.
This is according to survey data from
the Golf Course Superintendents
Association of America (GCSAA),
which collected results from nearly
2,000 golf course superintendents.
These were then analyzed by
scientists at PACE Turf and the
National Golf Foundation.
“This study shows us that the
golf industry has been addressing
water issues for some time and
is realizing positive results,” said
Wendy Gelernter, co-owner of PACE
Turf. “The numbers show that golf
course superintendents across
the country have reduced water
consumption. There is always room
for improvement, however; and I
think we will see even less water
being used and fewer acres being
irrigated in the years ahead.”
Other findings include a 33 per
cent increase in recycled water use,
and greater water savings through
turf reduction and technologies such
as computer-controlled targeted
irrigation systems and sensors that
measure soil moisture.
The study also found that water
usage was at its lowest in the
northeastern part of the U.S. The
highest was in the southeast and
southwest of the country, where year-
round play and turf growth is possible.
“The golf course superintendent
profession is committed to science-
based technologies and environmental
stewardship,” said Rhett Evans,
CEO of GCSAA. “We hope that this
national study will demonstrate
our commitment to efficient water
management and inspire the industry
to continue to lead in the future.”
Golf &Water: Case Studies in
Water Stewardship is available
as a free download at
Print copies of the book are available
for purchase at , see
.
DIGEST
U.S. golf courses using less water
04 | By Design
A round-up of recent golf design
news in association with:
ASGCA members have completed projects focused on reducing
water use at courses throughout the United States, including
(clockwise, from top left) Poppy Hills, Los Robles Greens,
Charleston Springs and Birnham Wood
Photo: Marty Moore
Photo: NCGA/Joann Dost