5 Nutrient Management Proper nutrient management plays a key role in the reduction of environmental risk and also increases course profitability. Among other benefits, applied nutrients increase the available pool of nutrients and allow turfgrass to recover from damage, improve its resistance to stress, and increase its playability. However, an increase in available nutrients also raises the potential risk of environmental impact. Nutrients may move beyond the turfgrass via leaching or runoff, which may directly impact water quality. Other organisms also respond to increases in nutrients and, in some cases, these organisms may deleteriously alter the ecosystem. The goal of […]
4 Water Quality Monitoring Regularly scheduled water quality monitoring can be both preventive and curative in terms of environmental impact. The public perceives that water sources on golf courses are contaminated with nutrients and chemicals applied in turf management. However, as demonstrated in a high-profile research project conducted at Purdue University’s North Golf Course, a properly designed and managed golf course can actually improve the quality of the water entering golf courses from stormwater runoff originating from neighboring farmland and residential development (Kohler et al. 2004). Water quality monitoring measures the likely origin and extent of sedimentation and nutrient inputs […]
3 Water Management Whether natural or manmade, surface water in the form of lakes, ponds, and streams has long been associated with golf courses. Natural lakes and ponds are usually connected to existing water sources, such as wetland areas. Irrigation impoundments (lakes, ponds, and constructed wetlands) can be incorporated into the design of a course and used both to manage stormwater and to function as a source for irrigation. Overall, water management incorporates not only the information contained in this chapter, but many of the issues discussed throughout this document, including: Design considerations such as the use of vegetated buffers. […]
2 Irrigation The irrigation system on a golf course is critical for the maintenance of high-quality playing conditions. Throughout Virginia, various types of irrigation systems are used, ranging from basic quick connect and hose applications to advanced multi-row sprinkler systems. Advanced systems conserve water, making use of the latest in computerized central control, state-of-the-art pumping systems, sprinklers with highly efficient nozzles, soil sensors, radio communication, and weather data collection devices. Because every golf course is different, the requirements, design, and specifications of irrigation systems differ. Therefore, irrigation recommendations should be adapted to fit the needs of a particular system and […]
1 Planning, Design, and Construction Building a new golf course or renovating an existing golf course requires careful consideration of the health of the golf course ecosystem during planning, design, and construction. Designers can draw inspiration and develop a balanced, functional design through intense study of the onsite and neighboring ecological features, habitat documentation, terrain analysis, circulation patterns (such as air, water, wildlife, and traffic), and a variety of other constraints and attributes. The thoughtful use of BMPs during planning, design, and construction should result in an environmentally sustainable golf course that operates efficiently and profitably. Because each golf course […]
Table 1. Best practices for golf course planning, design, and construction Planning Step Description Assemble Team The team should include, but not be limited to, a golf course architect, golf course superintendent, clubhouse architect, irrigation engineer, environmental engineer, energy analyst, economic consultant, civil engineer, soil scientist, golf course builder, and a legal team. Define Objectives Identify realistic goals, formulate a timeline, etc. Conduct a Feasibility Study Evaluate finances, environmental issues, water availability and sources, and energy, materials, and labor needs. Identify applicable government regulations. Select Site Site should meet project goals and expectations. Identify all strengths and weakness of each […]
The annual bluegrass weevil (ABW), Listronotus maculicollis, can have two to three generations per year and cause significant damage to many golf courses in New York. But monitoring and managing ABW in an economically and environmentally sustainable way can be difficult. However, by using proper scouting methods along with a well-informed decision-making process, you can improve the effectiveness and efficiency of ABW management at your facility. ABW adults overwinter in leaf litter, tall grasses, and other areas with dense organic matter that provides a buffered environment from harsh winter conditions. On a typical golf course, overwintering habitats include roughs, grassy […]
Introduction With nearly 37,000 acres of land devoted to golf courses in Virginia, golf courses provide abundant recreational opportunities to the state’s citizens and tourists, as well as valuable open space. Often located within large population centers such as Northern Virginia, Richmond, and the Hampton Roads areas, golf courses provide advantages over other types of development, such as habitat for birds and other wildlife, absorption of stormwater and its potential pollutants, oxygen from photosynthesis, and the cooling effect of evapotranspiration (ET). Because 70% of the state’s golf courses are located within the Chesapeake Bay watershed, protection of water quality is […]
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