This month’s cover story goes in-depth to address environmental trends impacting the golf industry. While this ever-evolving topic does not always get the attention it warrants, it’s critical that we recognize sustainability efforts and environmental benefits across the industry.
The “Environmental Trends to Know” story provides a comprehensive look at the impact nature has on golf, highlighting common issues across different business sectors and the challenges every region of the country faces on an annual basis.
As a predominantly outdoor sport, the golf industry is impacted by environmental factors, with each region facing its own unique set of issues to manage. For example, access to water and energy are the biggest challenges in the West and South Central regions, while the Southeast is facing the effects of flooding and potentially losing coastline, and northern areas of the country are experiencing seasonal shifts and more extreme weather conditions.
As the intersection of golf and the environment has always been a top priority for me, I have provided insight throughout this article, alongside fellow allied leaders like Rhett Evans of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA), Jordan Booth of the United States Golf Association (USGA) Green Section and CEO Christine Kane of Audubon International. We all share anecdotes while addressing environmental trends PGA of America Golf Professionals should be aware of, strategies to execute at their facilities (based on region), and important topics that can be discussed with golfers and local lawmakers alike.
This article encourages PGA of America Golf Professionals to share talking points compiled by the PGA of America, GCSAA and USGA, such as:
• Water use on golf courses declined by nearly 20 percent between 2005 and 2020.
• The runoff of pesticides from golf courses is very limited.
• The average golf course has more than 23 acres of wild area that supports diverse wildlife populations.
• In urban areas, golf courses can significantly reduce temperatures on the property and around the course.
We recognize the critical need to tell the story of the industry’s sustainability challenges and successes, and how the PGA of America is utilizing environmental stewardship to achieve our strategic mission to “serve the member and grow the game.”
PGA of America Professional Josh Richter, the Senior Vice President for Boyne in Northern Michigan, offers some excellent advice for PGA Professionals in this month’s cover story: “Get in a golf car with your superintendent and take a ride around the course. Ask questions.”
Social responsibility is intrinsically linked to the success of the PGA of America and the entire golf industry, so together let’s remain laser-focused on sustainability efforts while using best practices to address green space concerns, wildlife habitats, water conservation, carbon footprints and other issues to achieve wide-reaching positive impacts at the local, regional and national levels. Thanks and God bless!
Sincerely,
Don Rea Jr., PGA President, PGA of America