Golf Course Superintendents Association of America offers a few facts on water and environment
Lawrence, Kan. (March 24, 2015) – When American writer Mark Twain pronounced that a round of golf was “a good walk spoiled,” he clearly didn’t have all the facts. Today, we know that walking a round of golf can burn more than 2,000 calories.
We also see golf as a sport for a lifetime, and one that can enhance the environment, while delivering more than 2 million jobs and contributing $3.9 billion annually for philanthropic causes – more than all other sports combined.
Golf Channel will celebrate “Earth Day” from April 22 as part of the “Green is Universal” campaign, and Rhett Evans, chief executive officer of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, will visit the studio to share environmental insights and promote the sport.
Here are 10 facts about golf that you can share in the next month to promote the sport and the environment:
1. Golf courses are professionally managed landscapes where environmental stewardship is important – from using water and nutrients more efficiently to implementing more and better methods of erosion control.
2. In general, the golf industry is striving to deliver firm and fast playing surfaces that are better for everyone and improve the bottom line. More than two-thirds of golf courses report that they keeping turfgrass drier than in the past.
3. The golf industry is continually investing in research to identify drought-tolerant grasses and improve water conservation through best management practices.
4. Golf courses use only one-half of 1 percent of all water withdrawn annually in the United States.
5. Only 14 percent of golf courses use water from a municipal water supply – with most using water from on-course lakes, ponds and recycled water sources.
6. Golf courses provide environments for wildlife, including protected species.
7. Updated and targeted irrigation systems and ground moisture reading tools, along with weather monitoring systems, provide the science to water only when and where it is needed.
8. Golf courses routinely have recycling programs to reduce and reuse, with an ultimate goal of zero waste.
9. More than 90 percent of a typical golf course is turfgrass, a water body or other natural areas that prevent erosion, serve to filter runoff, and provide for cooler temperatures in urban settings.
10. Through governmental affairs, professional education and public information, the golf industry is striving to make environmental responsibility a basic premise.
About GCSAA and the EIFG
The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) is a leading golf organization in the United States. Its focus is on golf course management, and since 1926 GCSAA has been the top professional association for the men and women who manage golf courses in the U.S. and worldwide. From its headquarters in Lawrence, Kan., the association provides education, information and representation to nearly 18,000 members in more than 78 countries. The association’s mission is to serve its members, advance their profession and enhance the enjoyment, growth and vitality of the game of golf. Visit GCSAA at www.gcsaa.org or find us on Facebook or Twitter.
The Environmental Institute for Golf is the philanthropic organization of the GCSAA. Its mission is to foster sustainability through research, awareness, education, programs and scholarships for the benefit of golf course management professionals, golf facilities and the game. Visit EIFG at www.eifg.org or find us on Facebook or Twitter.
Contact:
Craig Smith, Director, Communications and Media Relations
Phone: 800-472-7878, ext. 4431 or 785-691-9197 (cell)
csmith@gcsaa.org
