Iowa latest state to publish BMP guidelines for golf courses
The Iowa GCSA leads the development of statewide best management practices with a grant from the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America
Lawrence, Kan. (Jan. 7, 2020) – The hard work of the Iowa Golf Course Superintendents Association, along with Iowa State University, has resulted in the publication of “Best Management Practices for Iowa Golf Courses”.
The Iowa BMPs were developed in part by using the BMP Planning Guide and Template created by the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) and funded and supported by the USGA.
The Iowa GCSA received a $2,500 BMP grant that GCSAA funded through the association’s Environmental Institute for Golf (EIFG) in part by the PGA Tour. The BMP grant program provides funding through the EIFG to chapters for developing new guides, updating existing guides or for verification programs. GCSAA’s goal is to have all 50 states offer established BMPs by 2020.
The BMPs provide guidance in 12 key areas including design and planning, pollinator protection, surface water management, and integrated pest management, that speak to the superintendents’ dedication to protecting the state’s natural resources.
Randy Robinson, executive director of the Iowa GCSA, was part of the Iowa BMP Steering Committee.
“This document provides important protection for the industry from the stream roller of misinformation that is out there,” Robinson said. “We can show them that the BMPs are the standard that we live by. “
Other GCSAA members who served on the committee included, Brian Abel, superintendent at Toad Valley Golf Course in Roland, Iowa; K. Chauncey Barry, superintendent at Twin Pines Golf Course in Marion, Iowa; Robert Begey, superintendent at Jester Park Golf Course in Granger, Iowa; Chris Coen, superintendent at Glen Oaks Country Club in West Des Moines, Iowa; Nick Cummins, superintendent at Westwood Golf Course in Newton, Iowa; Ryan Deur, superintendent at Prairie Links Golf and Event Center in Cedar Falls, Iowa; David Eichhorn Jr, assistant superintendent at Elmcrest Country Club in Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Tom Feller, CGCS, superintendent at Cedar Rapids (Iowa) Country Club; Shawn Fopma, sales representative, PBI-Gordon; Ryan Galles, superintendent at Remsen (Iowa) Golf Course; Chad Graaf, superintendent at Lakeside Municipal Golf Course in Fort Dodge, Iowa; Matt Hall, superintendent at Burlington (Iowa) Golf Club; Brett Hetland, CGCS, superintendent at Brooks Golf Club in Okoboji, Iowa; Jonathan Hungerford, superintendent at Tournament Club of Iowa in Polk City, Iowa; Rob Lindsay, superintendent at Coldwater Golf Links in Ames, Iowa; Ryan Lux, superintendent at Echo Valley Country Club in Norwalk, Iowa; Jason Manfull, Bettendorf, Iowa; Eric Schares, superintendent for the city of Waverly (Iowa); Joseph Stelzer, superintendent at Thunder Hills Country Club in Peosta, Iowa; Caleb Swanson, superintendent at Briarwood Club of Ankeny (Iowa); Nate Tegtmeier, superintendent at Des Moines Golf and Country Club in West Des Moines, Iowa; Rick Tegtmeier, CGCS, MG, director of grounds at Des Moines Golf and Country Club in West Des Moines, Iowa; and Adam Thoms, Ph.D., Iowa State University.
To read “Best Management Practices for Iowa Golf Courses” and to learn more about GCSAA’s BMP program, visit www.gcsaa.org/bmp.
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 19,000 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. Visit our industry-leading magazine at GCMonline.com.
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:
Angela Hartmann
Director, Marketing and Communications
Phone: 800-472-7878, ext. 3647 or 785-393-1361 (cell)
ahartmann@gcsaa.org