Your participation in GCSAA's Golf Course Environmental Profile Water Use and Conservation Survey is critical to the future of the game of golf. All superintendents, including non-GCSAA members, should participate in this critical survey and to ensure that the profession and industry are well represented by all course types, budget levels and locations. Individual survey responses are not disclosed nor does GCSAA sell email addresses.
How to participate
Superintendents should check their email inboxes or spam filters for an email sent on GCSAA’s behalf by the National Golf Foundation (NGF) for their individual access to the survey. The data from the survey will provide much-needed facts that enable GCSAA to advocate on behalf of the profession and industry to maintain the resources needed to ensure success. Without the data, we can’t provide the facts behind what we say about golf’s and the superintendents' professionalism and environmental stewardship. If you did not receive the email, you can still access the survey Feb. 26 through March 31.
Take the survey Feb. 26 through March 3 »
Participate and win
All superintendents who complete the survey will be entered into drawings for prizes, with names randomly drawn. Prizes will be awarded for each survey in Phase IV and four winners will be drawn for each of the two surveys. In all, $4,000 in prizes will be awarded. There will be four $500 prize winners per survey.
Service points
Superintendents will receive 0.50 service points per completed survey. The data will be presented for the United States as national aggregate data or regional aggregate data. International data will not be included in publications or results. Individual facility data will not be shared or disclosed. Individual data will not be shared or disclosed.
Key points
- The Golf Course Environmental Profile is owned and copyright protected by GCSAA. Data should be properly cited for publication, presentations, etc.
- Phase IV is funded through the GCSAA Foundation with support from the USGA.
- GCSAA intends to publish the survey in peer-reviewed journals.
- NGF will conduct, process and analyze the data on behalf of the GCSAA as a third-party and independent entity who will follow the market industry standards to ensure valid survey results.
- Travis Shaddox, Ph.D., president, Bluegrass Art and Science LLC, and J. Bryan Unruh, Ph.D., Extension turfgrass specialist, University of Florida, West Florida Research and Education Center, will provide technical oversight, analyze data, and write publications including the peer-reviewed manuscripts, public reports, and GCM articles.
- All participants' individual survey results are not disclosed or shared. Results are reported in aggregate only. In addition, GCSAA does not sell email addresses.
As third parties, the scientists will work to ensure that the scientific methods associated with data collection and reporting are valid.
Uses of survey results
- Document changes in environmental practices over time
- Assist in determining the future direction of GCSAA environmental efforts and education
- Identify key issues for potential research projects
- Respond to governmental and public inquiries
- Promote the efforts superintendents are making on their golf courses
- Provide a solid basis for comments on proposed regulatory issues