Golf Courses can play a huge part in local communities that they are located. It is currently estimated that the total number of golfers worldwide is around 66 million. This is a vast number of people that can benefit from the health and stress positives of playing golf.
There is debate around whether golf courses are good for the environment, but recent studies show that they can have positive effects. Some environmentalists argue about the negative impacts of golf courses however new practices are looking to negate some of these.
Current Positives
Animals & Wildlife
Golf Courses comprise of more than 70 percent rough grass and areas which golfers do not play. These areas provide space for natural grass, trees and shrubs which can be used by local wildlife to create habitats.
It has been noted that golf courses also provide havens for animals and wildlife, especially birds & bats. These havens can provide a quiet space away from predators.
Restoring Damaged Land
With an increased view on sustainability, golf courses can help to restore and develop damaged land such as existing mines. The turf used has dense roots that can hold soil and rainwater which in turn reduces erosion.
Golf Courses also provide aesthetically pleasing landscapes which is an excellent way of repurposing areas which may no longer be operational. This results in the reclamation of unused land which can then be used the local communities.
Health & Reduced Stress Benefits
Golf provides people the opportunity to exercise outdoors within natural landscapes. Studies have shown that looking at these pleasant nature themed views can be can be positive for your mental health.
Other research studies showed that participants could lower their cholesterol levels. By walking the course that they played provided improvements to the overall health of the person.
Community Economic Benefits
The popularity of golf continues to grow and provide many economic benefits for communities. Golfers in the UK spend close to £4 billion with £2.2 billion being channelled through UK golf courses. It also provides close to £1bn in taxes to the UK government which helps fund the future of the UK.
It can also provide jobs to many different sectors such as event staff, greenskeepers, land surveyors and the list goes on!
Future Benefits
We think it is only fair to highlight some of the perceived negatives of golf courses although the industry is looking to resolve these negatives through new practices which could lead to more benefits.
Water Usage
An issue that has plagued golf courses for a long time is the amount of water needed in the maintenance of turf. It is estimated in summer months a golf course could use 130,000 gallons of water per day! that’s a lot of water. This is an environmental issue and can affect local water supplies.
However, the industry is looking at different techniques to become more efficient and sustainable in their water usage. One technique is to store rainwater that has drained away though a golf courses drainage system. This water can then be stored or fed back into an irrigation system to be used out on the course. Not only does it provide a sustainable source of water, but it can also save golf courses a fortune in maintenance costs.
Read about more about how golf clubs can use water more sustainably HERE
Land Usage
As you may expect golf courses take up a lot of land. The average golf course requires around 30 hectares although modern 18-hole courses need more like 60 hectares. Whilst they have a natural themed look, they are manmade. With this come lots of managed turf which is consistently mowed, making it difficult for habitats to form in these areas.
Golf Courses are becoming more aware of these issues and look to plan for biodiversity improvements in the rough areas around golf courses. These areas can be turned into natural havens for wildlife to flourish. As previously mentioned, golf clubs can also be built upon derelict land such as an existing mine. This can help to make better use of derelict areas and maximise the efficiency of limited areas of land.
It can be seen that golf courses provide plenty of benefits for local communities and the environment, whether that is creating rough areas for wildlife habitats or for local economic improvements. The industry is moving in the right direction as it continues to become more sustainable in the way it operates and maintains golf courses.
Sources:
Record numbers now playing golf worldwide – Articles – DP World Tour (europeantour.com)
Golf Courses Benefit People And Wildlife (usga.org)
Golf Course Land Positive Effects on the Environment (seattleu.edu)
UK golfers spend £4bn a year and the golf industry pays £1bn in tax – England Golf
Your golf course could be putting rainwater to better use — here’s how
