Area of focus: Land use

Despite criticism from uninformed sectors, golf courses do provide valuable green space that can collect and/or filter runoff, provide habitat and prevent erosion within an urban or disturbed environment. Some courses have been developed incorporating habitat protection for threatened and endangered species as well.

Golf course architects, builders, and managers utilize best management practices to ensure environmental stewardship. University research helps to identify the best turfgrass species and design features to be incorporated within a new or redesigned facility. Post-construction best management practices for golf course operations help to ensure water quality protection and habitat management.

Information about golf courses and land use

To provide a comprehensive look at the way land is used for golf, the EIFG – with the help of the Toro Giving Program –- funded the GCSAA Environmental Profile. The first report in the series outlines golf course acreage, turfgrass species, environmental stewardship practices and improvements, as well as many other factors.

View Volume I: Property Profile Summary | Full Report»