Greening the Greens: Environmentally Friendly Golf Course Management

 

A. A. Milne once said, “Golf is so popular simply because it is the best game in the world at which to be bad.” Americans, and indeed people all over the world, have long had a love affair with the game of golf. Yet, golf courses get a bad rap when it comes to the environment. Golf courses and playing fields can be significant contributors to nonpoint source pollution in lakes and streams due to the excessive amounts of fertilizers sometimes used. However, with proper management, the amount of nutrients entering lakes and streams from golf courses can be kept to a minimum.

Many techniques can be employed to reduce the potentially negative environmental impacts from golf courses. Golf course managers can minimize the use of fertilizers by monitoring turf and timing applications properly, watering greens only when necessary as a means to reduce fertilizer requirements, and implementing integrated pest management programs. A five- to ten-foot unmowed buffer strip should be maintained along any golf course shorelines, streambanks, and wetlands to ensure proper erosion control and to filter runoff. Aesthetically pleasing vegetation such as irises and wildflowers can be planted in these areas. In locations near sensitive water bodies, stormwater management facilities such as constructed wetlands and bioretention strips should be installed to reduce stormwater runoff from entering the water.

The Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program provides golf course members and superintendents with information about environmentally-friendly golf course management.
Becoming involved with the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program is an excellent way for a golf course to show the community its commitment to protecting the local environment. See the “Link of the Month” in this months newsletter for more information.
 

A common problem on golf courses is streambank erosion. Large storms can cause erosion and sedimentation of streambanks, which can eventually lead to damage to golf course play areas. F. X. Browne, Inc. is in the process of restoring a 3,000 ft. section of Colebrook Creek at the Whitford Country Club in Exton, PA.  The restoration approach will involve realigning the stream in several locations, building an artificial floodplain through a large section of the course, replacing an existing bridge, stabilizing streambanks using native plants and bioengineering techniques, and enhancing in-stream habitat.  We will also be engineering a new in-stream irrigation diversion structure.

 

F. X. Browne, Inc. is experienced in managing golf courses, including streambank stabilization, stormwater control, and pond management. Please contact us at info@fxbrowne.com or 215-362-3878 for more information.