Promoting golf during Earth Day

Golf is a game played on earth's great landscapes. A chance to be outdoors, enjoying some of life's finest scenery, golf seems to bring people to a state of serenity and joy. From weather to wildlife, to scents of fresh cut grass and wild plants, what's not to love about the outdoors?

As Earth Day 2015 falls upon us (April 22), it's important that we highlight and share some of golf's greatest attributes regarding environment and sustainability. Below are 10 facts that you can share with others that will promote our sport in the context of Earth Day and beyond.

1.   Golf courses are professionally managed landscapes where environmental stewardship is important – from using water and nutrients more efficiently to implementing more and better methods of erosion control.

2.   In general, the golf industry is striving to deliver firm and fast playing surfaces that are better for everyone and improve the bottom line. More than two-thirds of golf courses report that they keeping turfgrass drier than in the past.

3.   The golf industry is continually investing in research to identify drought-tolerant grasses and improve water conservation through best management practices.

4.   Golf courses use only one-half of 1 percent of all water withdrawn annually in the United States.

5.   Only 14 percent of golf courses use water from a municipal water supply – with most using water from on-course lakes, ponds and recycled water sources.

6.   Golf courses provide environments for wildlife, including protected species.

7.   Updated and targeted irrigation systems and ground moisture reading tools, along with weather monitoring systems, provide the science to water only when and where it is needed.

8.   Golf courses routinely have recycling programs to reduce and reuse, with an ultimate goal of zero waste.

9.   More than 90 percent of a typical golf course is turfgrass, a water body or other natural areas that prevent erosion, serve to filter runoff, and provide for cooler temperatures in urban settings.

10. Through governmental affairs, professional education and public information, the golf industry is striving to make environmental responsibility a basic premise.

GCSAA launches "thank a superintendent" campaign

GCSAA is launching an exciting new outreach campaign, hoping to stir golfer appreciation for the great work of our members. By utilizing TV, radio, print and internet media, GCSAA's new "thank a golf course superintendent" campaign aims to reach the 25 million golfers who enjoy the fruits of our superintendents' labors.

The television spots (15 and 30 seconds long) are headlined by the Golden Bear, Mr. Jack Nicklaus, and feature other marquee names, including Rory McIlroy, Rickie Fowler, Jordan Spieth, Matt Kuchar, Michelle Wie and Nick Faldo. These big-name golfers have big-time influence, and GCSAA is using their testimonies to show the golf world why superintendents are a key component of the game's success and enjoyment. These ads will run on the Golf Channel throughout 2015, and you can check them out at http://www.gcsaa.org/thankasuperintendent.

The radio ads, similar to the TV ads, also feature Nicklaus and other brand-name golfers and will air on Sirius XM PGA Tour Radio (Sirius 208, XM 93), as well as local golf radio shows throughout the nation. Both TV and radio ads can be co-branded by GCSAA chapters and aired in their local markets. The radio spots can be heard on the same link provided above.

By tracking internet traffic on golf-related websites, these ads will take advantage of dynamic internet marketing to pinpoint golfers' web browsers and lure them in with a chance to win a trip to the 2015 PGA Championship at Whistling Straits. When golfers view the ad, they are prompted to fill out a "thank your superintendent" form for their chance to win the trip to the PGA Championship. On the back end, GCSAA will then send that thank you note to the golfer's superintendent and the superintendent's employer. Pretty cool.

The project is spear-headed by two new faces to the GCSAA team: associate director of marketing Russell Sypowicz, and director of communications and media, Craig Smith. Both bring great experience to the GCSAA team, and look to continue making headway in future outreach and marketing initiatives.

In other news, Jenny Pagel-Guile is the new face of the GCSAA certification program, replacing recently retired Penny Mitchell. Jenny is working to help further develop and grow the CGCS program and wants to hear member feedback in order to provide more directed services. 2014 saw 22 newly certified members, and eight members have started the process in 2015. Please feel free to reach out to her directly for questions regarding the application process or eligibility at JPagel-Guile@gcsaa.org.