The Oklahoma Golf Course Superintendents Association leads the development of statewide best management practices with grant from the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America
Lawrence, Kan. – The work of the Oklahoma Golf Course Superintendents Association has resulted in the publication of “Oklahoma Golf Industry Best Management Practices”.
The Oklahoma 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 Oklahoma GCSA received a $10,000 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 the end of 2020.
The BMPs provide guidance in 12 key areas including maintenance operations, surface water management, nutrient management, integrated pest management and pollinator protection.
Chris Cook, superintendent at Bailey Ranch Golf Club in Owasso, Okla., served as chairman of the BMP steering committee.
“Oklahoma is a midwestern state with a community of people who hold midwestern values. Superintendents here love their families, neighbors, and the outdoors,” Cook said. “We manage beautiful green spaces where people can spend quality time and work hard to make a positive environmental impact. We believe this BMP guide will help us continue to do that for years to come.”
In addition to Cook, others who served on the Oklahoma BMP Steering Committee In collaboration with Radius Sports Group, a sustainability consulting firm, include Jeremy Biswell, superintendent at Belmar Golf Club in Norman, Okla.; John Daniels, USGA agronomist in Dallas, Texas; Dustin Harris, extension associate and MS candidate, Department of Horticulture & Landscape Architecture at Oklahoma State University; Brad Jolliff, superintendent at Kickingbird Golf Club in Edmond, Okla.; Dennis Lindemann, account executive for Professional Turf Products in Euless, Texas; Nick Neal, superintendent at Canyons at Blackjack Ridge in Sand Springs, Okla.; Devin O’Neil, superintendent at Golf Club of Oklahoma in Broken Arrow, Okla.; Daniel Mills, superintendent at Duncan Golf and Tennis Club in Oklahoma City; Justin Moss, Ph.D., professor and department Head, Department of Horticulture & Landscape Architecture at Oklahoma State University; Cody Osborne, territory manager for BWI Cos. in Edmond, Okla.; Jason Vogel, Ph.D., P.E., director, Oklahoma Water Survey and professor, Civil Engineering and Environmental Science, at the University of Oklahoma; Johnny Walker, GCSAA South Central regional field representative; Charles Wise, superintendent at WinStar Golf Club in Thackerville, Okla.
To read “Oklahoma Golf Industry Best Management Practices” 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.
