Survey series started in 2006 provides critical data to golf industry for assessment and best practices

Lawrence, Kan. (April 5, 2022) –  The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) will seek critically needed data from superintendents regarding nutrient and pest management practices to support the profession and industry as part of the on-going efforts to maintain necessary golf course management resources.

To collect the data, an in-depth questionnaire has been sent electronically to superintendents at approximately 14,000 facilities. The nutrient and pest management study is part of the third phase of GCSAA’s Golf Course Environmental Profile survey program, which consists of three surveys that are funded by the GCSAA Foundation. The nutrient and pest management study will be open through May 15.

Since 2006, the data collected has enabled GCSAA to help members succeed and support the golf industry. GCSAA needs representation from across the U.S. from members, non-members and all facility types. Superintendents should look for an email from the National Golf Foundation, which is conducting the survey on behalf of the GCSAA, or find access on GCSAA’s website. The Golf Course Environmental Profile survey program will be administered by Mark Johnson, associate director of environmental programs for GCSAA. The information will be analyzed independently by J. Bryan Unruh, Ph.D. and Travis Shaddox, Ph.D. All superintendents should participate, and those who complete the surveys will receive 0.50 service points and be entered into drawings for prizes. 

“The data collected in the survey provides the type of information that demonstrates golf’s commitment to sustainable management practices and environmental stewardships,” said GCSAA President Kevin P. Breen, CGCS, superintendent at La Rinconada Country Club in Los Gatos, Calif.

The results from the nutrient use and pest management survey will be announced in 2022 and compared against numbers from the first phase in 2006 and the second phase in 2014.

This is the second of three surveys in the third phase. The Water Use and Conservation Practices was conducted in the fall of 2021, and the Property Profile and Environmental Stewardship study will be conducted later this year. The results from all three studies will be released and published four to six months after each survey closes. All the topics will closely mirror the first two phases.

For more information about the Golf Course Environmental Profile, visit www.gcsaa.org/GCEP.