The USGA Has Committed $30 Million To Reduce Water Usage In Golf, Here’s Why

The USGA has committed $30 million over the next 15 years toward efforts to reduce water usage in golf, looking to accelerate underused strategies and technologies beyond those that golf course operators have implemented to reduce water use by 29% over a recent 15-year period.

The work will focus on irrigation optimization and advanced conservation innovation, as well as water sourcing and storage for golf courses and communities throughout the country, as water is the game’s most vital resource – one that’s increasingly regulated and impacted by cost and availability concerns.

“The long-term economic and environmental sustainability of green-grass golf courses – where more than 25 million people enjoy the game and millions more are employed – will be challenged in certain regions if the game doesn’t advance this critical work now,” said USGA CEO Mike Whan. “We are enthused and impressed by the reductions golf course superintendents have pursued over the past decade, and even more optimistic about the future. The USGA is ready to not only contribute our voice, but also our resources and expertise, to help our golf course partners and ensure golf’s future.”

The USGA Green Section (comprised of agronomists and turf care experts) is spearheading the collaborative effort, which also includes the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) and select superintendents, golf course owners, university researchers, regional golf associations, golf course architects, industry partners and water agencies.

“The move toward greater water resilience requires everyone in golf to actively participate and bring their best efforts forward, with golf courses utilizing the assets available to them within their geographic region,” said USGA Green Section Managing Director Matt Pringle. “Importantly, this is not about mandates, but an important call to action to the golf industry to work together towards a common goal.”

The USGA, along with its industry allies and practitioners, over the next 15 years will launch a water resilience playbook for golf – and its nearly 16,000 U.S. courses — that will be continuously updated.

The group plans to demonstrate underutilized and emerging research-based practices to reducing water use while better understanding (and breaking down) barriers to the adoption of proven strategies. In addition, the funding will support water resilience research and breeding programs for turfgrass, an example being drought-tolerant grasses that use approximately 20% less water than other commonly used varieties.

Thanks largely to more efficient water application, a recent GCSAA study found that U.S. golf facilities reduced water usage by 29% from 2005 to 2020. But greater savings and efficiencies are critical for a more sustainable future in one of the nation’s most popular participation sports.