A recent survey shows superintendents give extremely high priority to maintenance practices that do not have a negative impact on the environment. Most golf courses compost grass clippings and leaves, which reduces the amount of waste in landfills. Composting is a growing and recommended practice for golf course operations. The water used on golf courses can be an excellent investment in both economic and environmental terms. Irrigated golf courses generate millions of tourist and property tax dollars for state economies.
Many courses now use recycled water as part of their irrigation practices.
When effectively irrigated, healthy turf provides numerous environmental benefits. Continuing research will provide even more low-water turfgrass varieties in the future. In addition to turf-related benefits, courses provide other important ecological and community assets. Through governmental affairs, professional education and public information, the association strives to make environmental responsibility a basic precept for its members. The golf community has the willingness, the resources and the motivation to address the environmental issues that exist on the golf courses of today.