Is your golf course environmentally sound?

The American Society of Golf Course Architect, Chicago, recommends that course designers ask the following questions to assess the environmental impact of a golf course.

– Does the course constitute the elimination of open or green space by making use of a site that is currently undeveloped?

– Are there significant historical or archaeological areas on the site that will be affected by the golf course?

– Is there any potential for water pollution from earth disturbance and erosion during construction of the course?

– Will the proposed golf course alter or eliminate wetlands and other sensitive environmental areas that may exist on the site?

– What impact will the golf course have on the ecological systems of the site, such as plant life and wildlife habitat?

– How will the golf course affect the existing character of a site through alteration of the topography and vegetative cover?

– Will the irrigation requirements of the golf course lead to the reduction or depletion of water supplies, especially in areas experiencing conditions that limit water resources?

– Will the long-term application of chemicals for turfgrass management on a course cause water pollution from surface runoff or infiltration into the ground?