Virginia Golf Course Superintendents Association leads the evolution of statewide best management practices with a grant from the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America
Lawrence, Kan. – A collaborative effort by Virginia Golf Course Superintendent Association and Virginia Tech has resulted in the publication of “Best Management Practices for Virginia Golf Courses Second Edition.”
The first edition of the BMPs was published in 2012, but the updated document was developed in part by using the BMP Planning Guide and Template created by GCSAA and funded and supported by the USGA.
The Virginia 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 irrigation, water management, pollinator protection and energy.
“It’s another tool in our toolbox to show the environmental stewardship of superintendents in the state,” David Norman, executive director of the Virginia GCSA said. “We are also excited at the prospect of reaching our goal of having every course in state use the state document to create BMPs for their own facilities.”
In addition to Norman, the Virginia BMP Steering Committee included chairman Timothy Doran, director of golf course maintenance at Elizabeth Manor Golf & Country Club in Portsmouth, Va.; Mike Augustin, director of golf and clubhouse grounds at Belle Haven Country Club in Alexandria, Va.; Steven Ball, superintendent at Ballyhack Golf Club in Roanoke, Va.; Mike Goatley, Ph.D., professor, Virginia Tech University; Bill Keene, superintendent at Blacksburg (Va.) Country Club, Peter McDonough, superintendent at Keswick (Va.) Club; Cutler Robinson, CGCS, turf consultant, Virginia Beach, Va.
To read ““Best Management Practices for Virginia Golf Courses Second Edition” 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
