Golf and the Environment
ENVIRONMENTALLY RESPONSIBLE GOLF COURSE DESIGN
Environmental issues around the world have grown tremendously over the past few decades. Government officials at all levels, as well as some of the general public, see golf course construction as the most irresponsible form of development when it comes to protecting water quality, available natural resources and minimizing the impact of land development. It is now recognized that golf course development must be accomplished in a responsible manner that protects our environment and improves the existing conditions of the land. Most importantly, the golf course should fit naturally on the land available and not be drastically changed to suit the architect’s ego and pre-conceived vision of what the completed golf course should look like.
The development of golf courses has become a complex process. Qualified professionals can provide the expertise necessary to create design solutions for golf courses that are compatible with the environment. A golf course presents the opportunity to meet a recreational need, while preserving green space that will provide benefits for the development of an area. Often, the green space of a golf course serves as a protective buffer between sensitive environmental areas and development. This buffer, which contains extensive turfed areas and native vegetation, will also protect water quality by providing stabilization against erosion and acting as a filtering mechanism. Efficient and responsible maintenance practices on a golf course will aid in the conservation of water resources. Golf courses also provide enhancement of the environment by incorporating areas for conservation and the promotion of wildlife habitats. Where land has been degraded over time by intensive use or mismanagement, golf courses can provide much needed land improvement. These are benefits that can result when an environmental approach is used for the design, construction and maintenance of a golf course.
Vegetation / Wildlife
Natural areas, made up of specific types of vegetation indigenous to the region, can be designed as features of the golf course to provide a more natural setting, as well as conservation and protection of the existing wildlife habitat. If done correctly, they can also stimulate endangered species revival. Impacts to sensitive areas of habitat are avoided by carefully clearing the site and providing responsible management practices during the construction of the golf course. Golf holes that are located through stands of trees provide the opportunity to create a more diverse habitat and promote wildlife through re-vegetation at the limits of the cleared areas. Tree-lined holes are often the most exciting and attractive on the golf course. The conservation areas and wildlife habitat are then protected through the management of the golf course after its completion.
Earthworks
The issue of drastically altering the existing character of a site must be addressed during the routing process for the golf course. If a site has distinctive natural features, the golf course architect will carefully design the routing of the golf course so that it fits seemlessly on the land. One of the most appealing aspects of a golf course is its ability to provide a sense of place, or an appreciation for the region in which it is located. If the routing has been carefully integrated into the landscape, the golfer will experience the unique qualities indigenous to the region that have been incorporated into the design of the golf course. The golf course architect should also consider construction costs when routing the golf course. By locating the golf holes with respect to the existing topography, the amount of earthwork and disturbance can be minimized and allow for the most cost effective construction.
Water Use and Pollution
Potential water pollution from earthwork disturbance during construction can be addressed by proper design and the location of erosion and storm water management control features. These features, when installed prior to and during construction, will contain the movement of sediment caused by storm water run-off and the erosion of disturbed areas, thereby protecting existing streams, ponds and sensitive areas from contamination. If designed correctly, the major erosion and storm water management control features will often remain permanently and continue to provide protection for sensitive areas. These features will be used to filter storm water run-off from the golf course, and prevent fertilizer, herbicides and pesticides from entering nearby sensitive areas. When a golf course is part of a residential development, storm water management ponds on the golf course can be used to collect drainage from streets and homesites. This water is then filtered to remove contaminants before being released into existing streams, ponds or other water bodies.
Maintenance
Once the maintenance has achieved a desired level, then the golf course will open for play. The environmental issues regarding the maintenance of the golf course are addressed by an Integrated Management Program. The program will provide environmentally sensitive practices for the maintenance of the golf course, such as:
- Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for the controlled application of chemicals to reduce pests and disease with minimal impact on the environment.
- Management practices that produce high quality playing conditions while reducing maintenance requirements.
- Irrigation practices that promote conservation and, when possible, use alternative sources for supply.
- Monitoring of the groundwater to detect and eliminate infiltration of chemicals.
- Monitoring of water sources to detect and eliminate pollution from surface run-off.
- Management of natural or conservation areas to promote wildlife habitat.
These responsible maintenance practices must remain in place as long as the golf course is in operation, ensuring environmental compatibility, high quality conditions and efficient management of resources.