Golf Course Environmental Profile Measures Pesticide Use Practices and Trends

Abstract

To develop a national golf course environmental profile, a survey was sent to 16,194 superintendents at US golf facilities to determine pesticide storage and mixing and loading practices; use of written pesticide emergency plans, integrated pest management plans, and pesticide application plans; restrictions to pesticide operations; number of certified pesticide applicators; pest management tactics; trends in pesticide use; and pesticide use. The response rate was 20.5%. Analysis of data indicated responses were received from a representative sample of golf facilities in the US with the exception of facility type. Data were weighted for facility type. Almost all golf facilities had at least one certified pesticide applicator on staff. Superintendents used multiple tactics to manage pests, and they used these tactics on a routine basis. Data from pesticide use records did not accurately reflect the active ingredients used on specific components of the golf course (greens, tees, fairways, rough). Results from the pest management tactics provide a baseline for comparison with results from future surveys to monitor industry change over time.

Documenting Trends in Land‐Use Characteristics and Environmental Stewardship Programs on US Golf Courses

“…Part of a larger effort known as the GCSAA Golf Course Environmental Profile, this survey was one of five national surveys conducted between 2006 and 2009 with the objective of developing a comprehensive environmental profile of golf courses in the United States (Lyman et. al., 2007; Throssell et.al., 2009a, 2009b; Lyman et al, 2012a, 2012b). In 2016, a follow‐up survey was conducted through the Environmental Institute for Golf (Lawrence, KS) and was funded by the United States Golf Association (USGA, Far Hills, NJ).…”

Herbicide Resistance in Turfgrass: An Emerging Problem?

“…Thus, management intensity of golf course turf often exceeds athletic fields, sod production fields, as well as residential and commercial lawns. A survey of golf course superintendents reported that herbicide use on golf courses increased 10 to 25% in 2007 compared to an average year (Lyman et al 2012). …”

Documenting Trends in Water Use and Conservation Practices on U.S. Golf Courses

“…W ater use and conservation practices on U.S. golf courses were documented for the first time in a 2006 survey conducted by the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) (Throssell et al, 2009a). Part of a larger effort known as the “GCSAA Golf Course Environmental Profile,” the water use survey was one of five national surveys conducted between 2006 and 2009, with the objective of developing a comprehensive environmental profile of golf courses in the United States (Lyman et al, 2007, 2012a, 2012b; Throssell et al, 2009a, 2009b). In the fall of 2014, the second phase of the Golf Course Environmental Profile, conducted by the GCSAA and funded by the Environmental Institute for Golf through sponsorship by the U.S.…”