Golf course superintendents lead the development of statewide best management practices with a grant from the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America
Lawrence, Kan. – A collaborative effort by golf course superintendents in Pennsylvania from seven affiliated chapters of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) and Pennsylvania State University has resulted in the publication of “Best Management Practices for Pennsylvania Golf Courses.”
Pennsylvania first published BMPs in 2009 (“Golf Handbook of Water Resources Best Management Practices”), but the updated BMPs were developed in part by using the BMP Planning Guide and Template created by GCSAA and funded and supported by the USGA. The seven GCSAA-affiliated chapters involved in the effort include Philadelphia Association Golf Course Superintendents, Northwestern Pennsylvania GCSA, Greater Pittsburgh GCSA, Central Pennsylvania GCSA, Pocono GCSA, Mountain and Valley GCSA and Keystone GCSA.
The group 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 irrigation, pesticide management, pollinator protection, surface water management, and energy.
“It was very important to have all the chapters come together and help shape the future of maintenance practices in the state,” said Doug Rae, superintendent at Applecross Country Club in Downingtown, Pa., and president of the Philadelphia AGCS. “Now each course, anywhere in the state, can take the state BMP and the template from GCSAA to create a BMP for their own course. It’s another tool in our toolbox.”
In addition to Rae, GCSAA members who served on the BMP steering committee include Kyle Woodfield, superintendent at Whispering Woods Golf Club in Erie, Pa.; Jason Batchelor, superintendent at Moon Golf Club in Moon Township, Pa.; Andy Bates, superintendent at Hickory Heights Golf Club in Bridgeville, Pa.; Josh Saunders, superintendent at Lancaster (Pa.) Country Club; Mike Mulhare, superintendent at White Manor Country Club in Malvern, Pa; Derrick Wozniak, superintendent at Radley Run Country Club in West Chester, Pa.; Mike Hartley, irrigation specialist, at Turf Equipment and Supply in Quakertown, Pa.; Jeff Green, superintendent at Carlisle (Pa.) Barracks Golf Course; Chris Martin, superintendent at Crossgates Golf Course in Millersville, Pa.; Brian Ahrens, superintendent at Reading (Pa.) Golf Course; Chris Passenti, superintendent at Lords Valley Country Club in Hawley, Pa.; Rick Pagett, superintendent at Penn State Golf Courses in State College, Pa. Dave Williams, CGCS, superintendent at Mountain View Country Club in Boalsburg, Pa.; and David Wood, superintendent at Oxbow Country Club in Hickson, N.D.
To read “Best Management Practices for Pennsylvania 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
Mike Strauss
Manager, Media Relations
Phone: 800-472-7878, ext. 5164
mstrauss@gcsaa.org
