BRENT BORELLI’s Eco Focus: River Bend Golf Course, U.S. Army Garrison Humphreys, Korea

What motivated your course to join the Audubon International Cooperative Sanctuary Program (ACSP) for Golf, especially as a military course halfway around the world?

Environmental stewardship is an investment in the future. The River Bend Golf Course, located at U.S. Army Garrison Humphreys in the Republic of Korea, is a pristine place not only for golf but also for local wildlife to thrive. We want this land to remain clean and healthy for many generations. Joining the Audubon International Cooperative Sanctuary Program sends a resounding and reassuring message to the community of our commitment to environmental stewardship and natural resource preservation. 

What did it take to achieve ACSP certification – how long was the process and what steps were involved?

The certification process took nearly three years to fulfill with some steep requirements. We had to meet and maintain a high degree of quality in six categories: environmental planning, wildlife and habitat management, outreach and education, chemical use reduction and safety, and water quality management and conservation. We worked with current and future Eagle and Girl Scouts to build bird and bat houses and the community to clear waterways. Due to coronavirus pandemic, we had to facilitate a virtual visit by the Audubon International’s Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program.  

What did it cost to earn certification all-in and what were the biggest expense items?

There were some costs involved with the certification, including the site visits and building and setting up bird and bat houses. The Eagle Scout candidates received funding through scholarships and the Humphreys United Club, a volunteer organization comprised of military spouses. The Directorate of Public Works Environmental Division funded the interactive display in our lobby for around $17,000, which displays information about the course’s diverse ecosystem. It helps us to continue to educate and raise awareness of the course’s wildlife and fauna. Water testing was the next largest expense, which required four tests the initial year and two subsequent test per year to monitor the water in and around the course.

Related: Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses: More Relevant than Ever  

How has working at military course changed your approach to sustainable practices?

The Army Climate Strategy supports the resiliency and sustainability of Army installations and facilities. Working at a military golf course has enhanced our approach to sustainable practices. We work closely with Department of Public Works’ Environmental Division on the best methods for keeping our waterways clean and our operations eco-friendly. Our mixing and loading stations are a closed looped system with berms and a water recycle station. It is state of the art. We are eager to incorporate purely electric options once they become available. We have been using hybrid grass mowers for the past several years. Due to labor constraints, we cannot do all that I want, such as recycling clippings in our topdressing for nitrogen. We do, however, return clippings on our fairways and roughs. 

What were / are the most challenging aspects of being certified and maintaining the standards required to achieve and retain that status?

There really isn’t much change in maintaining standards since being certified. Our staff continues the same work, including continual surveillance and record keeping.

Related: Cody Price General Manager of The Course at Wente Vineyards   

What specific benefits are you reaping from being a Certified Member, among golfers/military members, and the community at large?

USAG Humphreys’ River Bend Golf Course being a Certified Member of ACSP sends a resounding and reassuring message to the community of its commitment to environmental stewardship and natural resource preservation. 

What would you share with other superintendents and course managers who are considering joining the Audubon International ACSP program?

Environmental stewardship is an investment in the future. I would encourage other courses to be a part of the ACSP program. They more than likely do 90% of what is required already. Environmental stewardship is everyone’s responsibility, and we must do our part in ensuring the health of the hundreds of acres under our care. This is key in helping ensure golf courses are seen as a positive force in preserving and promoting a healthy environment.  

What is the best guidance or tip(s) you have received pertaining to being a superintendent and overseeing your golf course agronomy/maintenance department? (And from whom?)

The two most influential superintendents in my life are Jeff Wentworth, CGCS at Pelham Country club, and Joe Esposito, retired GCS at Riverside Golf Course. Joe was my first superintendent when I was a summer hire during college at the start of my career. He got me excited to start on this career path. I loved the outdoors and being involved with nature. He was a strong leader and father figure type – a good hardworking man. Jeff Wentworth and Larry Taylor, his first assistant at the time, probably taught me the most about agronomy and what is possible on a golf course with an adequate budget. They were both sharp men who were instrumental in my development. They each had different strengths that they each brought to the table. They made an outstanding team. I was fortunate to work with them both during the time I was there.  We put in a new irrigation system, new maintenance building, and started the process of a new master plan with lots of projects. Jeff was a leader and helped young superintendents in the New York Metropolitan area and wasn’t afraid to push the limits of turfgrass. He had our course dialed in. His best advice to me was to go learn from a couple other superintendents and that you will learn more of what to do and what not to do by gaining different perspectives and leadership qualities of each superintendent you work for. I have great admiration for Jeff.  He pushed me past my limits and made me see what is possible in turf and my life.

Riverbend Golf Course website – https://humphreys.armymwr.com/programs/river-bend-golf-course