Why Should Golf Courses Get Water When Water is Scarce?

Golf courses and large turf areas serve a valuable role as firebreaks.

Besides providing a foundation for some of our favorite activities, turfgrass plays an important role in our environment. In fact, the healthier the turf, the better it can protect the environment. Healthy turfgrass reduces run-off, minimizes erosion, cleans the air, neutralizes pollutants, and absorbs rainwater.

It was just a short time ago at the 1990 U.S. Open at Medinah Country Club that then USGA President Grant Spaeth announced the funding of a three-year research program that would focus on the impact of golf course activities on the environment.

A group of leading golf and environmental organizations have jointly developed a set of principles which seek to produce environmental excellence in golf course planning and siting, design, construction, maintenance and facility operations.

This document highlights the benefits of turf, trees and natural areas as commonly found on golf courses. The information presented about these benefits is supported by factual, unbiased university research. Further information about any specific benefit - and the research from which it was drawn - can be provided by the USGA.

This article summarizes the multifaceted benefits golf courses provide not only to wildlife and the environment, but to entire communities, as well.

The benefits of golf courses go far beyond their physical boundaries, including positive recreation, environmental, economic and social ramifications for the area.

The benefits of golf courses and its turfgrasses are far-reaching, including a source of habitat for wildlife, ecosystem enhancement in urban areas, as well as many other social, economic and environmental improvements to the community.

Wildlife Links, established in 1995 through a joint venture of the USGA and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, represents golf’s first comprehensive investigation of the game’s relationship with wildlife and its habitat. This 24-page publication offers case studies and practical advice on wildlife and habitat conservation on the golf course.

"Golf is so much more than just a game. It is a significant industry, a major contributor to the American economy and to the economic vitality of individual states" – GOLF 20/20. Click here for a collection of golf economic reports, including national, state, international and other economic impact studies reports.