Kentucky Superintendents Lead development of best management practices tool by GCSAA

A collaborative effort by golf course superintendents in Kentucky from four affiliated chapters of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) has resulted in the publication of “Best Management Practices for Kentucky Golf Courses”.

The Kentucky BMPs were developed in part by using the BMP Planning Guide and Template created by the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) and funded and supported by the USGA. The four GCSAA-affiliated chapters involved in the effort include Bluegrass GCSA, the Kentuckiana GCSA, the Quad-State Turfgrass Association and the Tri-State GCSA. GCSAA’s goal is to have all 50 states offer established BMPs by the end of 2020.

The document covers 12 key issues, which include irrigation, surface water management, nutrients management and pollinator protection, that are crucial for the state’s more than 270 golf courses.

“The BMPs show that superintendents are proactive, not reactive,” said John Ballard, CGCS, director of golf course operations Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Ky., and chairman of the Kentucky BMP Steering Committee. “Assembling the BMPs was important, but now the real work begins now with getting it front of people.”

Others GCSAA members who served on the committee include Stephen Babcock, superintendent at Big Spring Country Club in Louisville, Ky.; Kraig Binder, superintendent at Pinecrest Golf Club in Bluffton, S.C.; Jacob Blair, superintendent at Oldham Country Club in Louisville, Ky.; Brent Downs, superintendent at Otter Creek Golf Course in Columbus, Ind.; Kevin Glover, CGCS, superintendent at Owensboro (Ky.) Country Club; David Hawes, superintendent at Wildwood Country Club in Louisville, Ky.; Damon Hitti, superintendent at Weissinger Hills Golf Course in Shelbyville, Ky.; Paul Hoarston, superintendent at Ryland Lakes Country Club in Covington, Ky.; Nick Kyrsinski ,superintendent at Victoria National Golf Club in Newburgh, Ind.; Brad Reynolds, superintendent at Stonecrest Golf Course in Prestonburg, Ky.; Andy Short, superintendent at Bellefonte Country Club in Ashland, Ky.; Shannon Watson, superintendent at The Country Club of Paducah (Ky.); Andrew Wolfe, superintendent at the Kentucky Department of Parks; and Bryce Yates, assistant superintendent at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Ky.

To read “Best Management Practices for Kentucky Golf Courses” and to learn more about GCSAA’s BMP program, visit www.GCSAA.org/bmp.

About GCSAA and the EIFG

The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) is a leading golf organization in the United States. Its focus is on golf course management, and since 1926 GCSAA has been the top professional association for the men and women who manage golf courses in the U.S. and worldwide. From its headquarters in Lawrence, Kan., the association provides education, information and representation to nearly 19,000 members in more than 78 countries. The association’s mission is to serve its members, advance their profession and enhance the enjoyment, growth and vitality of the game of golf. Visit GCSAA at www.GCSAA.org, or find us on Facebook or Twitter.

The Environmental Institute for Golf is the philanthropic organization of the GCSAA. Its mission is to foster sustainability through research, awareness, education, programs and scholarships for the benefit of golf course management professionals, golf facilities and the game. Visit EIFG at www.EIFG.org, or find us on Facebook or Twitter.