Golf courses are sprawling landscapes that require substantial water to maintain their pristine conditions. But with global water scarcity growing more severe, golf clubs face mounting pressure to become stewards of sustainability.
As stewards of expansive and visually striking landscapes, golf club managers understand the importance of maintaining high standards of course presentation. However, with rising concerns over global water scarcity especially amid hotter, more unpredictable summers we’re having in the UK. The responsibility to balance aesthetics with environmental accountability has never been more critical. Fortunately, there are forward-thinking strategies available that enable golf clubs not only to preserve playing quality, but also to lead by example in sustainable water management.
Smart Irrigation Systems
Use subsurface irrigation: A technique that’s particularly well-suited to the expansive and water-hungry environments of golf courses. Instead of spraying water over the surface where it’s vulnerable to evaporation and wind drift, subsurface systems deliver moisture directly to the root zones of turf and plants, where it’s needed most.
Install weather-based sensors: Incorporating weather-based sensors into a golf club’s irrigation system is one of the most effective ways to align water usage with actual environmental needs. By tracking conditions such as temperature, humidity, wind speed, and rainfall, these systems ensure turf only receives water when it truly needs it.
Reclaimed & Recycled Water Use
Stormwater harvesting: A practical and sustainable water management approach that allows golf clubs to collect, store, and reuse rainwater that would otherwise run off into drains or be lost. By treating rainfall as a valuable asset rather than a nuisance, clubs can bolster their water supply, reduce reliance on mains water, and promote long-term resilience against drought.
Collected water can be channelled into onsite reservoirs and tanks, then used to to irrigate fairways and greens, or utilised for miscellaneous tasks such as pressure washing pathways, washing golf carts, or flushing toilets in clubhouses
Auditing and Monitoring
Conduct regular water audits: A powerful tool to keep irrigation systems in check and identify costly inefficiencies. Provides a detailed assessment of usage patterns, detects leaks and wastage, and helps shape data-driven strategies that promote long-term conservation without compromising course quality.
Landscaping Smarter
Reduce non-play areas: Borders, walkways, clubhouse surroundings, and out-of-bounds terrain often feature decorative plants and manicured gardens that add aesthetic appeal but consume large amounts of water. By converting these zones to xeriscaped landscapes, golf clubs can dramatically cut down on irrigation needs while still maintaining visual charm and brand identity.
Create shade zones: Strategically incorporating shade zones throughout a golf course is an essential tactic in the quest to conserve water. By planting trees, shrubs, and other canopy-forming vegetation in carefully chosen areas, golf clubs can significantly reduce surface temperatures and slow the rate at which moisture evaporates from turf and soil.
England Golf and The R&A have made it one of their top goals to educate golf clubs on how they can diversify their water collection sources, and help mitigate poor water usage and wastage.
Golf clubs have the opportunity to model environmental leadership while preserving the charm and challenge of the sport. By embracing sustainable water practices, they don’t just safeguard their fairways, they help ensure the future is green for everyone.
By Mark Shanley
