The USGA is renowned for crafting the Rules of Golf, but their literary contributions don’t stop there. Recently, they unveiled a well-researched publication, though it’s unlikely to grace The New York Times Best Sellers list, it is essential reading for those passionate about the game’s future.
Titled the “Water Conservation Playbook,” this publication is brimming with scientific insights despite its somewhat unexciting name. USGA CEO Mike Whan highlighted this in a statement, saying, “Golf is growing, yet the combined challenges of water availability, rising costs, and shifting weather conditions pose significant threats to our courses in the long run. We aim to provide cutting-edge insights to the decision-makers and everyday workers at these courses, encouraging progress towards a more sustainable golfing experience.”
Water conservation isn’t a fresh topic for the USGA. Since the inception of its Green Section in 1920, the organization has invested over $40 million in turf research, with a significant focus on minimizing water usage. This commitment has led to breakthroughs in drought-resistant grasses and advanced irrigation methods. A cornerstone of the USGA’s commitment is its 15/30/45 campaign, which pledges $30 million over the next 15 years to help courses cut their water use by 45 percent.
The “Water Conservation Playbook” is a pivotal element of this initiative. Available as a digital resource, it merges over a hundred years of Green Section expertise with research from prominent universities and insights from superintendents, architects, and maintenance personnel, transforming vast amounts of information into actionable strategies.
While scientific data drives these efforts, the playbook also explores the cultural aspects of golf and effective communication with players. Managing a course extends beyond turf care; it’s about aligning golfer expectations with sustainable practices. Golfers often prefer lush, green courses reminiscent of Augusta National. While green implies health in grass, it’s not inherently superior. This perception fuels excessive watering, prioritizing aesthetics over sustainability.
This practice not only impacts finances and the environment but can also adversely affect course conditions. Ironically, optimal turf health and superior playing conditions often result from reduced watering.
Achieving this shift requires cooperation from golfers. As Matt Pringle, the USGA Green Section’s managing director, explains, “There are prevalent misconceptions such as believing a lush course offers a better experience or that less water means poorer playability. These are not true.”
The playbook emphasizes the importance of conveying this message, offering courses strategies to engage golfers on water conservation efforts, whether influenced by drought or maintenance aimed at long-term sustainability.
Recognizing the unique challenges faced by courses — from diverse budgets to varying climates, grass types, and clientele — Pringle notes that the playbook doesn’t prescribe one-size-fits-all solutions. Instead, it offers adaptable strategies suitable for any course.
The guidelines laid out require the industry to keep evolving in response to these challenges, and golfers should be prepared to adapt as well.
For those interested, the Water Conservation Playbook is available for download.
