GCSAA RELEASES LATEST PEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES ON U.S. GOLF COURSES SURVEY REPORT.
The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America recommends using best management practices as part of the pest control strategy
Lawrence, Kan. – The methods and frequency of pest control practices on golf courses in the United States have varied significantly across the country compared to 2007, according to recently released survey data. The 2021 survey, A Continued Investigation into Pest Management Practices on US Golf Courses, was conducted by the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) and funded in part by the United States Golf Association (USGA) through the GCSAA Foundation.
The number of golf courses using the pest control methods listed in the survey remains high; 13 of the 17 practices included in the study were used by more than 50% of the courses. The high utilization of various pest control practices reflects the golf industry’s efforts to reduce the use of pesticides as the sole treatment for turf pests. Some individual practices saw increased use while others saw lower use, but it is important to remember that pesticide use is affected by pest pressure, climate and other environmental factors.
According to the report, the most commonly used pest management practices included monitoring the weather, reconnaissance, employing strategies to control pesticide resistance, improving turf health, implementing cultural practices and spot treating damage.
Survey results from more than 1,400 golf course superintendents were collected and independently analyzed by researchers Travis Shaddox, Ph.D., Bluegrass Art and Science LLC., and J. Bryan Unruh, Ph.D., University of Florida, and the National Golf Foundation (NGF), which released the results for review before releasing the information.
The percentage of golf courses with written pest management plans remained generally flat from 2007 to 2021. GCSAA provides facilities to develop custom written plans to produce high quality play surfaces while protecting the environment.
“Environmental stewardship is critical to the future of the golf industry, and GCSAA continues to provide tools and resources to help facilities adopt best environmental management practices, such as: Such as our BMP Facility Tool and Integrated Pest Management Tools available at gcsaa.org,” said Rhett Evans, CEO of the GCSAA. “The purpose of the Golf Course Environmental Profile is to provide data that shows not only how practices have improved, but also where further improvement is needed. We encourage all facilities to incorporate best management practices into their day-to-day operations.”
As part of the third series of its Golf Course Environmental Profile program, the GCSAA has published three national surveys related to golf course management to date, with the other two covering water use and management and nutrient use and management. A fourth survey of golf course land use and energy practices is scheduled for release later this year. The USGA has continuously funded and collaborated on the multi-year program with the GCSAA as part of a collaborative effort to advance scientific and data-driven decision making in golf course management.
To learn more and see the full survey report, read the March issue of the GCSAA GCM Magazine at gcmonline.com or visit gcsaa.org/gcep.
About GCSAA
The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) is a premier golf organization in the United States. Its primary focus is golf course management, and since 1926 the GCSAA has been the premier professional association for men and women who manage golf courses in the United States and around the world. From its headquarters in Lawrence, Kan., the association provides education, information and advocacy to more than 19,000 members in more than 78 countries. The association’s mission is to serve its members, advance their profession and improve communities through the joy, growth and vitality of the game of golf. Visit GCSAA at www.gcsaa.org or find us on Facebook or Twitter. Visit our industry leading magazine at GCMonline.com.
The GCSAA Foundation is the philanthropic organization of the GCSAA. Its mission is to secure funding and support to strengthen advocacy, education and research that advance the work of golf course management professionals. Visit the foundation at www.gcsaa.org/foundation.
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