An investigation of the perceptions, motivations, and expectations of sustainable golf course design and management among golfers and course managers

Abstract

There are approximately 16,000 golf courses in the United States that require and use extensive resources to operate and maintain certain standards. These practices affect air, soil, and water quality and touch upon environmental issues such as water conservation, pesticide runoff, and excessive energy consumption. There has been a recent push among course personnel and industry professionals for greater sustainable management practices, but the expectations and motivations of golfers are not as readily available. This research responds to the uncertain golf community to show that sustainable golf course design and management can retain the integrity of the game, if not provide for a more satisfying experience. This paper highlights the triple bottom line of golf courses, or the “3Es,” that each course should consider in its daily practices: the environment, the economy, and the enjoyment of the golfers. Surveys taken at six environmentally-forward courses throughout the state of Michigan assessed the opinions of golfers related to sustainable course management and their enjoyment of the game. Analysis found that golfers do care about the environment in which they play and prefer beautiful, well-maintained, challenging environments. Golfers were concerned with rising costs to play, shrinking golfer populations, and water conservation. A significant number of golfers linked these challenges to the “3Es” and expressed interest in pursuing a more environmentally and economically viable agenda for the golf industry. Findings from the interviews show that golfers generally do appreciate, care, and even hope for more sustainable design and management practices at their courses.