Back here for the eighth post where we’re focusing on the Golf Course Environmental Profile (GCEP). The GCEP is the focus this week as the final survey of Phase III is currently open.

8. Golf Course Environmental Profile

If we go back to 2006, we’ll encounter Phase I, Volume I of the Golf Course Environmental Profile (GCEP). The GCEP was introduced sixteen years ago to collect golf course data at a national level. The first project of its kind, the GCEP surveys provide a more complete understanding of the environmental management of golf courses. That first phase comprised of five volumes, which included:

• Property Profile Environmental Stewardship
• Water Use and Conservation Practices
• Nutrient Use and Management
• Energy Use and Conservation Practices
• Pesticide Use

Fast forward to 2022, GCSAA is working with the National Golf Foundation to conduct Phase III of the GCEP focusing on three key areas:

• Water Use and Management Practices
• Nutrient and Pest Management Survey
• Property Profile and Environmental Stewardship Practices

While the first two surveys of Phase III are completed, the final survey – Property Profile and Environmental Stewardship Practices – is currently open until October 17.

As a superintendent, you may be asking why this is significant. Why does the industry need this information?

The GCEP surveys are some of the most important information the industry captures, and the uses of survey results include:

• 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

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 superintendents' professionalism and environmental stewardship. If you did not receive the email, you can still access the survey Sept. 1 through Oct. 17.