Attendees to the recent Golf Industry Show (GIS) in San Diego, were introduced to a new book from the America Society of Golf Course Architects (ASGCA) Foundation, Golf & Water: Case Studies in Water Stewardship. With financial support from The Toro Foundation and Rain Bird, Golf & Water details more than a dozen examples from courses in North America and internationally where ASGCA members and others from the golf industry have positively impacted the management of water.
“This book will help those who develop land – and make decisions about how golf fits into a community – see how golf is committed to good stewardship when it comes to water, our most vital natural resource,” said ASGCA President Steve Smyers, ASGCA.
Golf & Water provides examples of the innovative paths to responsible water stewardship being designed by ASGCA members and implemented by course owners, operators and superintendents.
“Golf & Water continues the more than 40-year commitment of the ASGCA Foundation to support golf and the environment,” said ASGCA Foundation President John LaFoy, ASGCA. “The ASGCA Foundation is thrilled with the reception Golf & Water received at GIS and is proud to shine a light on the work of this industry in meeting the challenges of water management and conservation.
“From An Environmental Approach to Golf Course Development to white papers and national and international presentations, the ASGCA Foundation continues the conversation on how golf courses provide social, economic, and environmental benefits to our communities.”
Golf courses in North America have reduced water use by more than 22 percent since 2005, according to the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America. Golf & Water shows how this has been done, including reducing energy consumption, managing turfgrass, better use of retention lakes, better irrigation practices and more. There is also a section looking ahead to how answers to the “water question” continue to evolve.
Golf & Water: Case Studies in Water Stewardship is available for free download by visiting here. Print copies are also available from ASGCA; contact Aileen Smith, Aileen@asgca.org.
ASGCA Foundation Background
The ASGCA Foundation was founded in 1973 to help fund the research of golf course design and to disseminate that information to those interested in designating green space for recreational purposes. The Foundation today is also dedicated to supporting the health of the game of golf by funding and administering programs that grow the game.
ASGCA Background
Founded in 1946 by Donald Ross, Robert Trent Jones and 12 other leading architects, the American Society of Golf Course Architects is a non-profit organization comprised of experienced golf course designers located throughout the United States and Canada. Members have completed a rigorous two-year long application process that includes the peer review of four representative golf courses. ASGCA members are experienced golf course architects, able to counsel in all aspects of golf course design and remodeling and comprise many of the great talents throughout the golf industry.
For more information about ASGCA, including a current list of members, log on to the ASGCA website at http://www.asgca.local or call (262) 786-5960.
# # #