Nine affiliated chapters of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) will receive a total of $67,000 toward establishing comprehensive golf course best management practices (BMPs) at the state level. The BMP grant program is funded through the Environmental Institute for Golf, the philanthropic arm of GCSAA, through a generous donation from the PGA Tour.
One of the four groups receiving a grant amount of $10,000 is the Connecticut Association of Golf Course Superintendents, whose effort is being spearheaded by Pete Gorman, the golf course superintendent at Pine Orchard Yacht and Country Club in Branford, Conn., and the secretary-treasurer of the Connecticut association.
“We want Connecticut to be at the forefront of the BMP project,” said Gorman, whose state includes 179 golf courses. “We want to be a resource for other states and other industries going forward. GCSAA is taking the lead in helping all of us be leaders in best management practices, such as water conservation and all environmental topics. It’s a commitment to our profession.”
Other chapters receiving $10,000 grants for 2017 are the California GCSA, the Carolinas GCSA and the Tennessee GCSA. The Eastern Shore (Md.) Association of GCS and the Mid-Atlantic Association of GCS will receive $7,500 each, while the Georgia GCSA and the Metropolitan (N.Y. and N.J.) GCSA will receive $5,000 each. The Michigan GCSA will receive $2,000. All applications were reviewed by a grant task group composed of GCSAA members.
GCSAA recommends the use of agronomic and environmental BMPs for all golf course operations. BMPs are broad-based and encompass management of turfgrass, landscape, environmental resources, buildings and operations.
“Best management practices are key to successful golf course operations, and they also provide a solid foundation for advocating on behalf of superintendents and the golf industry,” GCSAA CEO Rhett Evans said. “GCSAA has significantly increased funding to this program to help our chapters start or enhance their BMP programs.”
“Best management practices will help us demonstrate that golf courses can deliver benefits to everyone in a community,” said Cal Roth, senior vice president of agronomy at the PGA Tour. “This also represents a longstanding commitment to environmental excellence at our own TPC courses.”
GCSAA launched the grant program in 2014 to assist in developing new BMP guides, updating existing guides or for verification programs. The priority goal of the program is to have all 50 states offer established BMPs by 2020.
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 18,000 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.
