How Green is Your Golf Course?

Golf courses are universally known for their wonderful, park-like atmosphere, with beautiful greens and wonderful landscapes. On the surface, such places resemble the epitome of a environmentally friendly habitat. However, if you look a little a little deeper, you will see that this is often not the case. Read more about the green problems with many local golf courses and driving ranges.

The most obvious feature of most golf courses is the lovely, lush green lawns, carefully manicured and cut to perfection. While quite visually appealing, these greens are usually not environmentally friendly at all! How could this be? This is because golf courses often use massive amounts of chemicals to keep their lawns green and bug-free. Fertilizers are often found in heavy concentrations near golf courses, thanks to the liberal application of such substances to keep everything "fresh" and "green." These can be very toxic to the plants, birds and other animals in the area. Pesticides are also applied in heavy doses at many golf courses, potentially being a hazard to animals and people in the area. The fertilizers also contribute to large algae blooms in the water hazards at golf courses. Such blooms (and the subsequent dose of chemicals used to control the algae) could be prevented by using less fertilizer, but many golf courses still continue this un-environmentally friendly practice.

The amount of fuel required for the lawn mowers and other landscaping tools used at golf courses is pretty astounding. Excellent greens usually require constant attention with careful mowing having to be done quite regularly. Such fuel consumption further tarnishes the "green" label of many golf courses.

The many ponds and creeks found on golf courses, labeled as the scary "water hazards", may paint a picture of environmental health and wholeness. However, these lakes can be pretty deceiving. In an effort to make the waters stay clear throughout the entire year, some golf courses will apply large amounts of chemicals to the water. Many of these chemicals are quite powerful and are chiefly used to kill the different strains of algae often found in these ponds. A term used for this is "bluestoning," whereby the waters come off as an unnatural shade of dark blue. Sure, it may look nice on post cards or from Google Earth, but it is not anything natural. It may get rid of the algae, but it also may negatively affect the fish and other creatures that depend on the pond or other sort of water hazard for life.

Golf courses may feel like the ultimate nature park, complete with their rolling green landscapes and beautiful water features. However, behind this green facade is a world of heavy chemicals, often quite negative for the environment. Some golf courses are taking steps to be more environmentally friendly by using less pesticides and fertilizers. Ask your your favorite golf course today about what they are doing for the environment!