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   Golf courses use only one-half of 1 percent of all water withdrawn annually in the United States.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