ASGCA Foundation debuts ‘Golf & Water’ book at GIS

A new book from the American Society of Golf Course Architects (ASGCA) Foundation, “Golf & Water: Case Studies in Water Stewardship,” was introduced at the 2016 Golf Industry Show held Feb. 9–12 in San Diego. With financial support from The Toro Foundation and Rain Bird, “Golf & Water” details more than a dozen examples from courses in North America and internationally where ASGCA members and others from the golf industry have positively impacted the management of water.

“This book will help those who develop land – and make decisions about how golf fits into a community – see how golf is committed to good stewardship when it comes to water, our most vital natural resource,” ASGCA President Steve Smyers says in a news release from the company.

“Golf & Water” provides examples of the innovative paths to responsible water stewardship being designed by ASGCA members and implemented by course owners, operators and superintendents.

“Golf & Water continues the more than 40-year commitment of the ASGCA Foundation to support golf and the environment,” says ASGCA Foundation President John LaFoy. “The ASGCA Foundation is thrilled with the reception ‘Golf & Water’ received at GIS and is proud to shine a light on the work of this industry in meeting the challenges of water management and conservation.

“From ‘An Environmental Approach to Golf Course Development’ to white papers and national and international presentations, the ASGCA Foundation continues the conversation on how golf courses provide social, economic, and environmental benefits to our communities.”

Golf courses in North America have reduced water use by more than 22 percent since 2005, according to the GCSAA. “Golf & Water” shows how this has been done, including reducing energy consumption, managing turfgrass, better use of retention lakes, better irrigation practices and more. There is also a section looking ahead to how answers to the “water question” continue to evolve.

Contact Aileen Smith, Aileen@asgca.org, for print copies from the ASGCA.