Attendees to the recent Golf Industry Show in San Diego, were introduced to a new book from the America Society of Golf Course Architects (ASGCA) Foundation, Golf & Water: Case Studies in Water Stewardship. With financial support from The Toro Foundation and Rain Bird, Golf & Water details more than a dozen examples from courses in North America and internationally where ASGCA members and others from the golf industry have positively impacted the management of water.
“This book will help those who develop land – and make decisions about how golf fits into a community – see how golf is committed to good stewardship when it comes to water, our most vital natural resource,” said ASGCA President Steve Smyers, ASGCA.
Golf & Water provides examples of the innovative paths to responsible water stewardship being designed by ASGCA members and implemented by course owners, operators and superintendents.
“Golf & Water continues the more than 40-year commitment of the ASGCA Foundation to support golf and the environment,” said ASGCA Foundation President John LaFoy, ASGCA. “The ASGCA Foundation is thrilled with the reception Golf & Water received at GIS and is proud to shine a light on the work of this industry in meeting the challenges of water management and conservation.
“From An Environmental Approach to Golf Course Development to white papers and national and international presentations, the ASGCA Foundation continues the conversation on how golf courses provide social, economic, and environmental benefits to our communities.”
Golf courses in North America have reduced water use by more than 22 percent since 2005, according to the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America. Golf & Water shows how this has been done, including reducing energy consumption, managing turfgrass, better use of retention lakes, better irrigation practices and more. There is also a section looking ahead to how answers to the “water question” continue to evolve.
Golf & Water: Case Studies in Water Stewardship is available for free download by visiting http://asgca.org/images/stories/publications/Water_Golf_All_Pages2_lores.pdf. Print copies are also available from ASGCA; contact Aileen Smith, Aileen@asgca.org
ASGCA www.asgca.org