By ESG Analyst Yuke Zou
Golf is an outdoor game in which players hit a small ball into a series of holes using clubs with wooden or iron heads. Most golf courses consist of 18 holes, and the goal is to strike the ball from designated starting points into small holes in as few strokes as possible. Because golf courses require large areas of land and constant maintenance, the golf industry has faced growing environmental criticism for inefficient water management, habitat destruction, and the excessive use of pesticides, all of which negatively impact local ecosystems and biodiversity. In recent years, as the urgency to address climate change intensifies, the golf industry has begun adapting to ESG standards, aiming to make the sport more sustainable and environmentally responsible.
On Par with Criticism: Golf and the Environment
Golf courses, while admired for their lush greenery and well-maintained fairways, have faced criticism for their impact on local communities from both environmental and socio-cultural perspectives.
1 – Water Waste: A Growing Concern
Water usage on golf courses is a major environmental concern, especially as climate change intensifies. Carly Peister, while completing her Master of Environmental Management at University of Waterloo, conducted a study on the water demands of Ontario’s golf courses, presenting a concerning picture. There are more than 800 courses in Ontario. Peister found that, in a climatically normal season, these courses consume 50.5 billion liters of water — equivalent to the global population’s drinking water needs for over two days. However, under climate variability, water usage can spike to 79.9 billion liters during warmer and drier seasons. Peister further warned that with drier summers expected due to climate change, water demand for Ontario’s golf courses could increase by as much as 151% by 2050. The immense water demands of golf courses are a global issue, threatening regional water supplies in areas already experiencing water scarcity or drought. As climate change worsens droughts and reduces freshwater resources, this heavy reliance on water for course maintenance also raises concerns about equitable access to water for local ecosystems and communities.
2 – Pesticides: A Threat to Ecosystems and Health
The use of pesticides on golf courses is another significant environmental concern, as these chemicals can impact local ecosystems and pose risks to both water quality and wildlife. Golf courses are one of the most intensive non-agricultural users of pesticides, with approximately 50 active ingredients commonly used across the industry. Examples of those chemicals are chlorpyrifos, carbaryl, and chlorothalonil. In golf course maintenance, carbaryl is used to target insects, such as armyworms and Japanese beetles, that can damage turfgrass. However, studies have shown that carbaryl is highly toxic to shrimp and fish, leading to high mortality rates in certain species. If the golf course is located near water bodies, the use of carbaryl can lead to contamination and severe damage to non-target organisms, impacting local biodiversity.
Chlorothalonil is another frequently used fungicide in golf course maintenance. Because fungal infections are highly visible on fairways and green, chlorothalonil is often applied preventatively to prevent and control fungal diseases, such as snow mold and dollar spot. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), chlorothalonil can disrupt aquatic ecosystems because it is highly toxic to fish. In addition, the environmental persistence of this chemical raises concern for long-term exposure in non-target organisms. The excess use of chlorothalonil on golf courses poses health risks to humans as well. EPA has classified chlorothalonil as probable human carcinogen based on evidence from animal studies showing correlation to kidney tumors. The excessive use of pesticides like carbaryl and chlorothalonil highlights the environmental and health challenges associated with maintaining the aesthetic standards of golf courses. These chemicals not only threaten local ecosystems and aquatic life but also pose potential risks to human health, raising serious concerns about the sustainability of current course turf management practices.
Teeing Up for Change: Sustainability Initiatives in Golf
As the golf industry faces increasing environmental scrutiny, key organizations and stakeholders are adopting sustainability-focused initiatives to reduce water consumption, protect biodiversity, and transition to renewable energy.
In April 2023, the United States Golf Association (USGA) announced a $30 million commitment over 15 years to advance water sustainability and resilience in the golf industry. The initiative aims to identify barriers to adopting water-saving strategies, support turfgrass breeding programs designed for water resilience, and develop a comprehensive sustainability playbook for the sport. The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews (R&A) has embraced a global approach to sustainability through its Golf Course 2030 initiative. In January 2020, the R&A announced an investment of £650,000 to support environmental projects worldwide, focusing on developing sustainable solutions to address challenges such as climate change and resource constraints that impact the condition and playability of golf courses.
The PGA TOUR has demonstrated a strong commitment to sustainability, as well as environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles. In August 2023, the organization presented its long-term vision for a sustainable future, focusing on reducing its carbon footprint, fostering positive community impact, and improving resource efficiency. Some examples of the TOUR’s goals are transitioning to renewable energy sources, enhancing water and waste management systems, and incorporating sustainability into its operations at all levels. This organization’s recent accomplishment is evidence of their commitments. The 2023 TOUR Championship achieved GEO Certified® status, which is a globally recognized benchmark for sustainable golf events. This certification showcases the TOUR’s efforts to align its events with ESG standards by operating with 100% renewable energy, implementing improved waste management practices, and actively engaging local communities. By setting a strong example through its sustainability initiatives and achievements, the PGA TOUR is paving the way for the golf industry to embrace more environmentally and socially responsible practices.
Navigating the Fairway Ahead: ESG and the Future of Golf
The golf industry is at a pivotal point, confronting environmental and climate change challenges while embracing sustainability initiatives. Historically, golf courses have faced criticisms for extensive land use, high water consumption, and negative impacts on local ecosystems and biodiversity due to excessive pesticide use. However, leading organizations are now actively pursuing environmental stewardship. The USGA has committed $30 million over 15 years to enhance water sustainability in golf. Similarly, the PGA TOUR has outlined a comprehensive sustainability strategy for its events, focusing on reducing carbon footprint, improving resource efficiency, and fostering positive community impact. These efforts are complemented by global initiatives such as the R&A’s Golf Course 2030, which aims to develop sustainable solutions to golf course challenges due to climate change and resource constraints. While these steps are promising, the golf industry must continue to collaborate and innovate to balance the sport’s growth with environmental responsibilities, ensuring “greening the green” becomes more than a metaphor, but a guiding principle for the future of golf.
References
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- Driscoll, Janeen. “$30M Commitment Will Drive New Water Resilience Efforts.” USGA, 20 April 2023, https://www.usga.org/content/usga/home-page/articles/2023/04/Water_Resilience_Golf_USGA.html. Accessed 30 November 2024.
- “Funding for golf course sustainability projects.” R&A, 9 January 2020, https://www.randa.org/en/articles/funding-for-golf-course-sustainability-projects. Accessed 30 November 2024.
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