From replacing aging irrigation systems to dealing with Mother Nature’s endless surprises, superintendents are managing water inputs with new technology—and a respect for new realities.
New York Grapples with Pesticides
The Journal News investigated the sale, distribution and use of pesticides in the state following a scandal at the Rye (N.Y.) Golf Club, where a contaminated batch of pesticide killed grass, causing 18 greens to be closed for three months. The Belleayre Resort at Catskill Park in Highmount, N.Y., as proposed, will be the state’s first organically managed golf course.
GolfAdvisor Highlights Environmentally Friendly Golf Courses
In honor of Earth Day, the website presented a list of 10 golf courses that are not only protecting the environment, but contributing to its health, including Carmel Valley (Calif.) Ranch, Northport Creek Golf Course in Northport, Mich., and Rockland Country Club in Sparkill, N.Y.
Hudson Valley Golf Courses Cultivate Natural Areas
At Rockland CC in Sparkill, N.Y., about 20 of the golf course’s 150 acres are “naturalized areas for pollinators and butterflies.” Whippoorwill Club in Armonk, N.Y., replaced asphalt pavement near ponds with permeable surface to reduce stormwater runoff.
Matt Ceplo Named to Audubon International Board of Directors
The golf course superintendent at Rockland Country Club in Sparkill, N.Y., has been elected to the Board of the not-for-profit organization, succeeding Dan Dinelli. Under Ceplo’s leadership, Rockland CC earned Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program certification in 2000, and became a member of the New York State environmental leaders program in 2013.
Charting the Right Course
New formulas for chemical and fertilizer products, along with updated strategies, are helping superintendents grow healthy turf grass in more environmentally friendly and cost-effective ways.