Golf Environment Organization

An effective water management programme should be a priority goal for all golf clubs.

Inefficient irrigation, especially over-watering, is a major cause of poor turf management on golf courses. For most it is a question of conserving water resources and reducing quantities used. Not only is this a responsible approach to an issue of major public concern, it is also the most economically sensible. Invasive weeds, disease problems and then reliance on chemical treatments often stem from bad irrigation management. This can lead to risks of surface or ground water contamination and potentially regulatory infringements. Where water supply is not a problem, drainage often is.

The earth's water resources are becoming more and more stretched with almost all arid and semi arid, and even temperate regions reporting significant water deficits.

Whilst the golf industry is a legitimate user of water, and studies show that the economic value of water use in golf is often higher than that of other land uses, including agriculture, golf is not producing food, and therefore is often seen to be a non-essential consumer. In this context, golf, like all other land and water managers, should strive to maximise its water use efficiency. There is no excuse for the wasteful or inefficient use of water in this day and age.

To manage water correctly is, therefore, vital to successful golf course management and environmental protection.

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