Environmentalists argue that golf course land is not only a waste of space, but also harbors harmful impacts to the earth and environment, such as pesticide use. This negative impact occurs by using large quantities of water and destroying habitats for wildlife
Full Answer
What are golf’s environmental impacts?
What are Golf’s Potential Environmental Impacts? In the past, environmental issues on the golf course have been overlooked. These include: Pollution of ground water and surface water caused by the use of pesticides, fertilizers, and other contaminants Poor stream water quality due to eroding shorelines
Why do golf courses use so much water?
Because of the hot climate and the tendency of tourists to consume more water when on holiday than they do at home, the amount used can run up to 440 litres a day. This is almost double what the inhabitants of an average Spanish city use. Golf course maintenance can deplete these scarce fresh water resources.
Why do golf courses use effluent?
Because of water scarcity, in recent years more golf courses have started to use effluent, which is treated wastewater from community or industry sewage. It is cleansed of major pollutants, but still contains enough trace amounts of salt, heavy metals such as zinc and cadmium and bacteria to render it undrinkable.
How can golf courses conserve the environment?
golf courses to use these conservation techniques in order to minimize their negative impact on the environment. Additionally, there should be an increase in building golf courses on land that was formerly polluted, such as condemned land, as well as additional regulation checks done by the Environmental Protection Agency
How do golf courses affect the water?
The average golf course uses 312 gallons of water per day for maintenance of the grounds. As this water flows through the property, it can pick up contaminants such as petroleum, pesticides, and fertilizers.
Why do golf courses need water?
Water use has a major influence on the playability of a golf course. Judicious water use that emphasizes firm, fast conditions is more enjoyable for all skill levels of golfers and is a goal that the USGA strongly supports.
Do golf courses waste a lot of water?
(Inside Science) -- In California's current historic drought, there's one particularly easy target when it comes to pointing fingers: green golf courses. Courses around the U.S. suck up around approximately 2.08 billion gallons of water per day for irrigation.
What is the environmental impact of golf courses?
Environmentalists argue that golf course land is not only a waste of space, but also harbors harmful impacts to the earth and environment, such as pesticide use. This negative impact occurs by using large quantities of water and destroying habitats for wildlife species.
What is water on a golf course called?
The USGA defines "casual water" or "temporary water" as "any temporary accumulation of water on the course that is not in a water hazard and is visible before or after the player takes his or her stance.” In other words, "casual water" is water on the golf course that isn't meant to be there by design.
What percentage of water is used for golf courses?
Golf, he said, consumes less than 1% of all water used in California, but nearly 25% of Coachella Valley water.
How much water does a golf course use in a day?
Audubon International estimates that the average American course uses 312,000 gallons per day. In a place like Palm Springs, where 57 golf courses challenge the desert, each course eats up a million gallons a day.
Do golf courses use recycled water?
Nationwide, approximately 13% of golf courses use recycled water for irrigation. More facilities would gladly convert to using recycled water, but the main limitation is the lack of a piping system to deliver the recycled water to golf courses, which can cost $1 million per mile or more to install.
How often are golf courses watered?
It's better to water “deeply and infrequently,” Cutler says. About a third of an inch every two to three days is a good goal.
What sport is worse for the environment?
The worst sports for the environment include skydiving (massive relative carbon footprint), golf (water consumption and chemicals needed), auto-racing and other motor-vehicle sports (absolute carbon emissions), and motorized water-sports (fuel consumption and biosphere interruption).
How can golf courses be more environmentally friendly?
Increase the biodiversity of your golf course.Limit your use of pesticides.Source food from local providers.Reduce water usage.Invest in better waste management.Le Golf National: A real-world example of a sustainable golf course.Equip your golf course with smarter tools.
Does golf help the environment?
Golf courses offer numerous opportunities to not only provide pleasant places to play, but also to protect drinking water, improve the water quality of on-site and surrounding lakes, streams, and rivers, support a variety of plants and wildlife, and protect the environment for future generations.
Why do they put ponds on golf courses?
Many golf courses use their ponds as water retention devices that the irrigation system pulls from nightly. If it weren't for the ponds, the water bill of a single golf course could easily cost hundreds of thousands of dollars over the course of 12 short months.
Why is there a pond in golf course?
Ponds on a golf course can also be part of the water storage and irrigation system. They collect water during the rainy season which is then pumped to irrigate the course when it is dry (besides being a cool feature of the course itself).
How do golf courses benefit wildlife?
Golf Courses Benefit People And Wildlife. Although many Americans enjoy working in their yards and maintaining an attractive landscape, they may not realize the tangible benefits of their efforts. These same benefits are available on the golf course where the combination of mowed turf, trees and natural areas provides a diverse environment ...
How much does golf affect the economy?
It now appeals to a broader range of people than ever before. United States golf course facilities impact the economy at an estimated $18 billion each year. Today, more than 24.5 million men, women and youth spend 2.4 billion hours outside, playing one of the 14,500-plus golf courses.
Why is it important to have a dense lawn?
Dense, well-maintained turf helps reduce the weeds and pollen that aggravate allergy sufferers . When turf is mowed regularly, it seldom produces flowers that release pollen. Closely mowed turf also discourages pests like mosquitoes, ticks and chiggers. Controlling ticks helps reduce the threat of Lyme Disease.
How does turf help the soil?
Turf has a very dense root system that holds the soil and rainwater, reducing erosion. As turf grows, it adds organic matter to the soil. This allows it to absorb even more water and hold it. Many communities have found that a golf course is an excellent way to restore damaged areas.
What are the benefits of a golf course?
Makes substantial contributions to the community's economy. 1) Golf Course Roughs And Trees Create Good Wildlife Habitat. More than 70 percent of most golf courses are rough and non-play areas including natural grasses, trees and shrubs. Combined with the open areas of fairways and greens, the golf course is an attractive wildlife habitat.
How do earthworms help the water?
The tiny tunnels the earthworms provide create even more places for the water to go. As water soaks into the grass and the soil below, it is filtered and cleansed. This process is so effective that many golf courses have become water recycling sites for their communities, using treated wastewater for irrigation.
How does turf grow?
The turf growth process takes carbon dioxide from the air and releases the oxygen we need. A landscape of turf, trees, and shrubs about 2,000 square feet in size generates enough oxygen for one person for one year. Some studies have shown that certain types of turf can even absorb carbon monoxide.
Why is golf water scarce?
Golf courses require an enormous amount of water every day and, as with other causes of excessive extraction of water, this can result in water scarcity. If the water comes from wells, over-extraction can cause saline intrusion into groundwater.
What are the impacts of golf courses in Spain?
In recent years golf tourism in Spain has increased in popularity and the number of golf courses has grown rapidly. These are resort destinations, and the golf courses are normally associated with substantial real estate development, hotels and related facilities.
Why are biocides used in golf?
Biocides use to maintain the greenness of the 'greens', control insects, fungicides and weeds, contaminate both the air and water. Attracts the higher-spending social groups. Golf clubs often portray an elitist and exclusive lifestyle.
Can golf resorts cause saline intrusion?
If the water comes from wells, over-extraction can cause saline intrusion into groundwater. Golf resorts are more and more often situated in or near protected areas or areas where resources are limited, exacerbating their impacts.
GOLF GIVES BACK
Despite an economic downturn in 2008, charities across the country continued to benefit from golf. In 2011, $3.9 billion was raised for charities, according to a study released by the National Golf Foundation. A vibrant and healthy community is important for establishing a vibrant and healthy environment.
GREEN TRAVELERS VALUE GREEN COURSES
In 2006, out-of-state visitors contributed more than $1.9 billion in golf-related tourism and activities to the state of Arizona. Travelers tend to be more savvy and knowledgeable about sustainability ─ according to research, 4 out of 10 U.S. travelers consider the environment when planning trips.
What are the environmental problems of golf?
Among the primary concerns of environmentalists with regard to golf courses are: the use of non-native grasses in golf course construction, elimination or interruption of natural habitats, overuse of fertilizers and pesticides, overuse of gasoline in mowers and golf carts, the massive habitat upheaval inherent in ...
Why do golfers put birdhouses in natural areas?
For instance, putting birdhouses in natural areas that golfers are forbidden to enter can foster growth in local bird populations, which in turn helps control the local insect population.
Is polar ice depleted?
On one hand, there’s the simple fact that temperatures are ris ing around the globe , and polar ice is being depleted. But on the other hand, are many different arguments about the causes of this warming. Many people (especially those whose monetary interests involve greenhouse gas emissions) argue that this is just a naturally occurring warm cycle ...
