Sustainability is the key to efficient management in a golf club.

Among all sports, golf has a unique opportunity to make a powerful difference. Every #golf club and new development can be a responsible, resource-efficient business in an ecologically rich landscape. Every golf event can be a showcase for sustainability.

As a global sport with millions of followers, situated in nature and with deep community roots, golf can step forward as a leader in #sustainability and climate action.

This commitment is especially important as we enter the United Nations “Decade of Action,” a time to accelerate sustainable solutions. Sport is stepping up to take action and raise awareness.

A sustainable approach takes into account both environmental and economic factors, while still aiming for high quality playing surfaces.

Where to start?

Preparation is the key. It is important to evaluate the current state of the field to have a reference point and set realistic objectives.

If you start with an unsustainable field with a heavy environmental footprint, it will take time and resources, both financial and human, to progress until the turf is dry, firm and aerated and less products are needed for maintenance. It is also vital to take into account local conditions, such as soil type and weather patterns.

First, detect excess thatch on the lawn for removal and take advantage of climatic factors such as the ability of the sun and wind to dry the surface. Weeds should also be gradually replaced and portions of stressed turf should be treated.

The turf used should be the most suitable for the local conditions. In northern Europe, cool-season grasses, such as brown top and fine fescues, are the ideal choice for establishing the most sustainable turf, as they require the least water and fertilizer input. This implies the imminent need to know all the details of its soil.

About the water

We recommend applying best practices to reduce water consumption on the golf course. Invest in a technological solution that provides key information for the most efficient use of irrigation systems. Adopting a tool that provides precision control for irrigation applications.

The challenges are imminent:

Average water use at golf courses in Madrid has changed radically compared to consumption in 2015. There is currently 43% less water available for irrigation. It has been necessary to redesign the playing surfaces and increase the efficiency of the irrigation systems.

The results are tangible:

Adjustments to the irrigation pumping units could increase efficiency and result in an approximate 6% reduction in energy consumption, among others.

Knowing the correct frequency for each of the field maintenance processes will undoubtedly reduce turf stress.

We recommend a system that allows establishing the lowest amount of fertilizer that can be used to achieve the desired results. Thanks to the detection of the location of the segments that require attention, knowing the percentage needed in each portion.

Having geolocated soil samples will allow for better drilling decisions and solid roughing at the right times. With the detection of areas requiring coating. Sandy materials should be applied in quantities and frequencies that counteract thatch accumulation.

In conclusion, in the long run, a sustainable golf course will be less costly to maintain. Making chemical and water consumption more efficient thanks to the application of #precisionagriculture.

How to start? Send us an email : jurizar@hemav.com we can advise you for free.