July 2022 has been the driest in over 100 years in England, with only about 25% of the expected rainfall recorded. The ongoing warm weather in the country followed the driest winter and spring since the 1970s.
The conditions that we have experienced this year are without a doubt going to become more common in the years to come.
Climate change means that average temperatures are rising, extreme weather such as droughts and floods is increasing, and our water supplies are being stressed.
The impact that these conditions have on golf courses is huge and it’s critical to take action, starting today.
One of the most vital topics to address is that of water usage on golf courses. This is something that is and will continue to be under scrutiny by local, regional and national authorities.
Gone are the times where using mains water is a given. As restrictions and bans are becoming more common, England golf is advocating for golf courses to start thinking about and acting on ways that they can become more sustainable and self-sufficient when it comes to water usage.
Many steps can be taken to reduce the water consumption, not just on the golf course itself but also in the club house and built facilities.
Here are some ideas that can be implemented on a short- and medium-term basis:
Short term steps:
- Embrace firmer, drier conditions
- Prioritize areas where water is needed, which should go in the order of greens, then tees, then fairways
- Increase the area of natural vegetation which requires little water to survive
- Conduct a water audit to see where and how reductions can be made
- Encourage flexibility in the course maintenance schedule to allow for changes in long term climatic conditions
Medium term steps:
- Research or improve water storage options
- Collect and recycle rainwater where possible
- Review and optimize irrigation systems to ensure there are no leaks and they are being used efficiently
- Upgrade irrigation system to allow for automatic, time respondent sprinkler systems so optimal precision can be achieved
- Review and improve taps an washroom facilities in the clubhouse by installing aerators, or installing motion sensors to reduce water usage
- Write or update a water resources management plan
As helpful as the above steps can be, the biggest step that we encourage all golf courses to look at is how to become self-sufficient. This may involve looking at building a reservoir; increasing water storage options by adding additional ponds; rainwater harvesting opportunities onsite or offsite; or treating greywater as an irrigation source.
Combining water management with other actions like transitioning to grass types which require less water, and minimizing the areas on the golf course where water is needed can really lead to a more sustainable future for golf clubs. These steps should be seen as an investment in the future of the club, allowing it to thrive for years to come.
On an individual level, here are some tips from Water’s Worth Saving that we can all start implementing to play our part.
Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with the Sustainability team at sustainability@englandgolf.org and we will be happy to provide more advice and guidance on this topic.
For more information on England Golf’s Sustainability Plan, click here to view the full document which has plenty of advice and recommendations on ways golf can become more sustainable.
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Article Link: Water Resiliency – July 2022 Drought - England Golf