
Diazinon 0.00994 mg Isazofos 0.00198 mg Chlorpyrifos* 0.000025 mg* attached to one knee while kneeling for 10 seconds to simulate aligning a putt, b) a 10 cm square piece of leather attached to ashoe sole following 10 steps on the treated turf surface, and c) a golf ball putted 36 times over a distance of 4 meters per putt.
Are chemicals used on golf courses safe?
According to the research team, in general, when used according to the label directions, chemicals such as pesticides and fertilizers approved for use on golf course turf are not believed to pose a real health risk to either the workers who apply the chemicals or to others who may come into contact with them after application, including golfers.
How can golfers be exposed to pesticides on the course?
When pesticides are used, activity on the golf course may pose a possible risk of exposure to pesticide residues. The most likely way for golfers to be exposed is through direct skin contact with the turf, such as on bare hands, arms, and lower legs. The Pesticide Specialist discussed some optional ways for James...
How does water pollution affect golf courses?
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. Over-irrigation and stormwater runoff can exacerbate this type of contamination, leading to pollution conditions on and off-site.
How much water does it take to maintain a golf course?
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.

How many chemicals are on a golf course?
In the Toxic Fairways study conducted by the Attorney General of New York, 52 responding golf courses reported using over 200,000 thousand pounds of dry pesticides and close to 9,000 gallons of liquid pesticides on their courses annually, translating into seven pounds of pesticides used per acre per year.
Are golf courses full of chemicals?
But behind the highly manicured, weed-free greens and fairways of golf courses often sit storage sheds filled with a toxic assortment of synthetic fertilizers, herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides.
Do golf courses use toxic chemicals?
The Pesticide Specialist explained that pesticides are used on golf courses and other recreational areas to maintain the health and appearance of the turf. James learned that most golf courses have highly trained golf course superintendents who manage the course, including turf management and pest control strategies.
What chemicals are sprayed on golf courses?
Pre-emergent Herbicides. Herbicides.Fungicides. Insecticides.Growth Regulators. Plant stimulants (hormones)
Is it bad to live next to golf course?
One of the biggest concerns you may have living next to a golf course is a golf ball landing on your property. While small, golf balls can cause big damage. You can up your home insurance coverage, but that will lead to a higher monthly premium.
Are golf courses eco friendly?
Further, “Golf courses provide green breathing spaces in a concrete landscape and the well-managed turf has many valuable service values — soil protection, water filtering, pollution fixation and biodiversity conservation.
How do golf courses pollute?
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.
How often do golf courses spray?
To the casual observer, spraying greens every one or two weeks may appear to be overkill. However, short spray intervals allow superintendents to observe putting green performance throughout the season and apply products only at the appropriate time to maximize their efficacy.
Are golf course ponds toxic?
Farms and golf courses use a variety of chemicals and pesticides that can kill fish and other aquatic animals if sprayed near or in water. Sometimes the chemicals -- even those properly applied -- can be flushed into a canal or pond as run-off during a torrential rainstorm.
How do golf courses get their grass so green?
Grow Greens Hydroponically Many golf greens use a hydroponic system for growing grass. This system is installed during construction — a bulldozer makes a hole for the green that is between 12 and 16 inches deep. In more advanced systems, the hole is lined with plastic, before gravel, drainage pipes and sand are added.
When will golf safety be in 2021?
Chemical Safety on the Golf Course. March 30, 2021. October 16, 2018 by golfsafety. While pesticides, insecticides, fungicides, fertilizers, nematicides and all the other substances you may use are extremely helpful in managing your golf facility, they are also dangerous.
What is chemical protective clothing?
Chemical Protective Clothing There are various types of chemical protective clothing, including: While the chemical label and SDS sheets provide information and guidelines regarding the hazards, it’s important that you develop your club’s policy as it relates to chemical protection.
What factors should be taken into consideration when evaluating equipment?
Factors such as the thickness of the material and exposure times need to be taken into consideration when evaluating equipment, and no materials can provide permanent and complete protection from all chemicals. An important note about gloves – the thicker they are, the more protection they provide.
Do gloves absorb chemicals?
An important note about gloves – the thicker they are, the more protection they provide. However, do not use latex or polyethylene gloves to handle chemicals. These types of gloves can actually absorb the chemical and allow it to continue to damage the skin.
Post-Emergent Herbicides
Post-emergent herbicides tackle both enduring and yearly broadleaf (weeds with leaf shapes that don't look like grass), and some even control weeds that look like grass. Post-emergent herbicides can likewise be used to treat areas after weeds have already taken hold.
Fungicides
Fungicides are biocide chemical compounds or natural organic entities used to repress or kill fungal growths or parasitic spores. Having a strong fungicide program set up to prevent disease and protect your course is fundamental.
Plant stimulants
Plant hormones are signal atoms produced inside the plant and occurring in low concentration. Hormones regulate local cellular processes and move to other areas of the plant. Hormones likewise decide the formation of flower, leaves, stem, shedding of leaves, and maturing of fruits.
Chemical Applications and the Environment
While pesticides have been a call for concern in the past, modern chemical agents are safer and those applying them must go through rigorous training and certification. Improper usage of pesticides by an untrained and unlicensed professional will however result in damage to your turfgrass as well as potentially posing health hazards.
Chemical Safety on the Golf Course: How to Protect Your Employees and Guests
While they keep your pool glistening, your buildings pristine, and your turf in top shape, chemicals can be harmful to your staff and guests without the proper precautions in place.
It Starts With Training
Training your staff on proper handling of hazardous chemicals is not just good business—it’s the law. OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) requires you to make information about hazardous chemicals available and understandable.
Chemicals in the Kitchen
Most commercial kitchens use chemicals for cleaning, sanitizing, and pest control. Beyond requiring your kitchen staff to take state-mandated food safety courses, your entire staff should be aware of proper handling and storage of kitchen chemicals. Here are some guidelines to remember:
Chemicals for Cleaning and Property Maintenance
The chemicals your maintenance and janitorial crews use to keep your club’s buildings clean and sanitized also pose risks. Cleaning chemicals can cause anything from skin rashes to asthma. In addition to following the same guidelines listed above, here are some other ways to help keep your employees safe:
Chemicals for the Pool
Chemicals added to your club’s pool help protect swimmers from germs, improve water quality, protect your pool equipment, and prevent algae growth. But if they’re used incorrectly, they can harm your staff and swimmers. Here are some ways to ensure pool chemicals are used safely:
Chemicals for the Golf Course
Properly storing and using pesticides, fertilizers, herbicides, fungicides, and other chemicals is key to keeping employees and guests safe, and keeping your turf in pristine condition. Here are some steps to consider for safer golf course chemical storage and usage (your staff training should also cover these techniques):
Chemical Storage Tanks
If you store gas, diesel, pesticides, or herbicides in underground or above-ground storage tanks, there are additional considerations to be aware of to further mitigate your risk:
Why do golf courses use pesticides?
The Pesticide Specialist explained that pesticides are used on golf courses and other recreational areas to maintain the health and appearance of the turf. James learned that most golf courses have highly trained golf course superintendents who manage the course, including turf management and pest control strategies.
How do golfers get exposed to pesticides?
The most likely way for golfers to be exposed is through direct skin contact with the turf, such as on bare hands, arms, and lower legs.
Who could contact the superintendent of a golf course?
The Pesticide Specialist also said that James could contact the golf course superintendent to find out what pesticides are typically applied to the course. He could also learn about practices they may use to help reduce pesticide exposure:
What is the National Pesticide Information Center?
James decided to call the National Pesticide Information Center for more information about pesticide use on golf courses.
How much water does a golf course use?
Preventing the loss can be far less costly than the clean up cost and fines that may be incurred due to spills. 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.
What is the exposure to golf courses?
Herbicide and pesticide storage and use. One exposure that is unique to golf courses is the storage and application of herbicides and pesticides which require proper certification of all employees engaged in applying these substances.
How does golf affect the environment?
The tanks serve a variety of purposes, including storing diesel for the golf carts, as well as herbicides and pesticides used to maintain the grounds. Golf courses also contain various ponds and water features which require maintenance, and can also carry harmful contaminants throughout the property. Storage facilities onsite holding chemicals and fertilizers are also cause for concern. All of these golf course pollution scenarios are highlighted further below.
What is the purpose of a golf cart tank?
The tanks serve a variety of purposes, including storing diesel for the golf carts, as well as herbicides and pesticides used to maintain the grounds. Golf courses also contain various ponds and water features which require maintenance, and can also carry harmful contaminants throughout the property. Storage facilities onsite holding chemicals and ...
Do golf courses require financial assurance?
While Financial Assurance may not be a requirement for the size and contents of the tanks used for golf courses, a pollution policy is an excellent way to protect assets if a release occurs from the tanks or other storage containers at a location.

Post-Emergent Herbicides
- Post-emergent herbicides tackle both enduring and yearly broadleaf (weeds with leaf shapes that don't look like grass), and some even control weeds that look like grass. Post-emergent herbicides can likewise be used to treat areas after weeds have already taken hold.
Fungicides
- Fungicidesare biocide chemical compounds or natural organic entities used to repress or kill fungal growths or parasitic spores. Having a strong fungicide program set up to prevent disease and protect your course is fundamental. Fungus such as Brown Patch, Gray leaf spot, or Pythium Root Rot can easily destroy an entire golf course if left unchecked, and the best method is to pre…
Plant Stimulants
- Plant hormones are signal atoms produced inside the plant and occurring in low concentration. Hormones regulate local cellular processes and move to other areas of the plant. Hormones likewise decide the formation of flower, leaves, stem, shedding of leaves, and maturing of fruits. By adding a growth stimulant, we can target these hormones and encourage rapid growth and st…
Chemical Applications and The Environment
- While pesticides have been a call for concern in the past, modern chemical agents are safer and those applying them must go through rigorous training and certification. Improper usage of pesticides by an untrained and unlicensed professional will however result in damage to your turfgrass as well as potentially posing health hazards. When properly applied, golf course chemi…