Effects Of Golf Courses On The Environment

Surname: 1

Student’s Name:

Professor’s Name:

Course:

Date:

Effects of Golf Courses on the Environment

Abstract

Golf course has significantly grown worldwide regarding membership and infrastructure. The

sporting engagement is elevated for the purposes of recreation and economy improvement.

However, the environmental issues have shown significant obstacles to the progress of the game.

Regarding infrastructural development for the golf courses, operational and constructional

processes constitute the great environmental enemy. The use of water generates evolves in the

surrounding ecosystems, hence causing the inclusion of foreign species. Consequently, the

environmental concerns postulated by the golf courses have been of major concern to the

government and the relevant authorities. This paper seeks to discuss the effects of golf courses to

the environment and the possible solutions to mitigate the issue. The paper will also examine the

positive aspects of golf courses and the possible improved environmental performance options,

which can lead to an integrated sporting engagement. Further, the paper will include some

recommendations whose adoption can reduce the negative perception of golf course.

Environmental conservation leads to healthy, safe, and suitable habitat for golf course.

Keywords: Golf course, natural resources, environment, pesticides, soil, sporting engagement, and

impacts

Surname: 2

Effects of Golf Courses on the Environment

Introduction

The increasing globalization and integration of several cultures has seen the increase in the number

of sports that the members of the population engage themselves. For instance, the golf sport is seen

to have grown roots in many countries. The nations perceive it as an economic activity and also as

a recreation engagement. In a bid to increase the spread of the sporting activity, training courses

have been eminent. The couching entails the induction of new trainees into the golf engagement.

The training activities have led to the construction of golf fields, centers, and other resources to

elevate the competence of the game. The resources have demonstrates severe challenges to the

environment as their facilitation of existence involves interactions of the surroundings.

The relationship between nature and golf has taken a fascinating course and a great force

concerning the wildlife, vegetation, and landscape in areas where the recreational centers have

been established. The underlying reasons are orchestrated by the initial occupants of the land,

which include lakes, rivers, oceans, vegetation covers, virgin forests, and construction sites.

During the operation and construction of golf courses, some practices like consumption overage,

water, and soil pollution have ben eminent (Barrett 89). The practices present significant obstacles

to the natural progress of the environment. The effects of these activities have elicited a heated

debate as to the economic benefits of the sporting engagement as compared to the destruction of

the surroundings.

The magnitude of the destructive activities caused by the golf courses made local and

international societies to form a resistance movement against the golf game. The societies were

led by environmental activists who educated the communities on the long term influences of golf

Surname: 3

to the natural resources. For instance, the Asia Tourism Network, Global Network, and the Asian

Pacific Environmental Network postulated for the extermination of golf as a sporting engagement.

The institutions put forward recommendations and polices whose adoption would have seen the

destruction minimized (Barrett 89). The organizations proposed to the universities and

governmental entities to be fully cognizant of the onus ahead of them for environmental

conservation.

Environmental Impact

Environmental impact entails the alteration of normal existence of the natural resources. It also

involves significance defiance of the surrounding in a positive or negative nature whose impact

leads to total or partial loss of an environmental variable. The impacts are generated at different

stages of destruction and the magnitudes vary significantly. For instance, the management of golf

fields requires continuous use of pesticides to keep the insects away. The chemicals constitute of

harmful ingredients whose impact to the soil is lethal (Barrett 93). Research has revealed that the

chemicals undergo several processes when disseminated into the surroundings. The cycle entails

volatilization, absorption, runoff, dilution photolysis, microbial degradation, and adsorption.

Although some chemicals do not degrade, their influence to environmental destruction cannot be

underestimated. Further, some studies have revealed that there are some circumstances in which

the pesticides can be friendly to the soil and the surrounding as well. However, the golf course

managers have continued to ignore the recommendations of international and local regulations.

Some golf field administrators are illiterate on the products and compounds, rules, and

implementation of adequate protection mechanism to the environment. Preliminary studies

revealed that the use of pesticides on golf tees and field is higher than that used on farmlands. The

Surname: 4

phenomenon means that the rate at which the gulf courses are increasing is parallel to the utilization

of pesticides to the environment. Further, the failure of the chemicals to undergo degradation

means that the impact and the destruction will last forever (McKinney et al. 96). When the gold

fields are reclaimed for agricultural use, the crops planted are likely to absorb the chemicals left in

the soil. Subsequently, the consumption of such plants by animals, including human beings, will

lead to terminal diseases like cancer.

Water Sources

Water bodies are of great essence in maintaining the beauty of golf courses. The courses, which

depend on architectural design and management, can depict potential positive and negative

influence on water systems. The impact can affect the biological, chemical, and physical properties

of water. The fertilizers used on the courses are absorbed into the soil and drained off into the

water bodies. Through infiltration, erosion, and ground runoffs, the fertilizers enter into the water

systems. Consequently, the biological components of the water bodies, including the marine life,

will be negatively affected. Several studies have been commissioned to assess the concentration

of pollutants in golf courses found along rivers, lagoons, drainage systems, and groundwater

(McKinney et al. 96). The emanating results confirmed that the fertilizer chemicals that were used

to flourish the grass were the biggest contributor of pollution on the water bodies. Further, the

studies revealed that the variation in vegetable cover on golf courses along water bodies were

paramount in influencing the changes in temperatures. The temperatures could change up to a

range of 3-4 degrees Celsius (McKinney et al. 96). Herbicides like Atrazine, Dicamba, and

Benazolin permeated into the soil and eroded to the rivers and other water systems. The effects

were lethal as well.

Surname: 5

Impacts on Soil

Soil is an integral part in golf courses as it provides the primary component of training and

execution of the activities. Landscaping activities have proved to affect the environment through

release of excess of nutrients and pesticides. Destruction of wildlife habitat and ecologically

sensitive areas also contribute to destruction of the environment. Proper landscape design will be

done to reduce the environmental impact and can help in minimization of the effects and other

harmful activities (Heuer and Cecil 77). There are several steps that will be taken in project

planning, operation, maintenance, and design to avoid the generation of landscaping wastes in golf

courses. These techniques will include composting, grass-landscaping, mulching, landscape

development, and alteration of alternatives. The mechanisms are tailored to specific characteristics

of climate and geography that can be mixed in any number of combinations.

There are several ways that sitting buildings for the gold administrative procedures can

affect the environment. Directs effects include destruction of habitats that are inn existent,

hydrology, and alterations in topography. Indirect impacts in the environment include

infrastructure construction for transporting materials and people to the facility and environment

from waste disposal activities (Heuer and Cecil 77). In sensitive ecosystems, sitting facilities that

area at close proximity to ecosystems that are sensitive can lead to damage or destruction of these

areas. Sitting that has been done improperly in terms of slope and hydrology can affect can have

effects on sensitive areas through alteration sin the hydrological regime. Alterations can also be

done in erosions and runoffs, destabilization of slopes and shorelines.

Although many negative sentiments have been postulated to depict the impact of golf

courses, the sporting activity has some positive influences. The influences are presented as

Surname: 6

opportunities whereby tapping require voluntary activities by the management of golf courses. The

courses provide potential wildlife sanctuaries. The centers, which are earmarked for golf courses,

are surrounded by natural serenities. The management can conserve the serenities, hence

preserving the wildlife. The modern sporting requires natural environment whereby the tourists

and the players enjoy the serenity of the environment (Gillihan 88). It is the mandate of the

administration to ensure that the fields are maintained to conserve the wildlife and the natural

beauty of the environment. Further, the management has the duty of preserving the natural

locations within urban environments.

The membership of the golf courses can be increased by the natural beauty of the urban

environments where the facilities are located. Therefore, preservation of the natural areas is of

paramount importance in both aspects of economy and nature. Golf courses also lead to protection

of water sources and support of wildlife, which are native to the area. The water systems are

significant in providing the required refurbishment of the playing field (Gillihan 90). The courses

filter storm water in wetlands and turf grass. The filtration aspect reduces erosion, hence soil

conservation. Further, the mental and physical wellbeing of the golfers is maintained. Golf courses

are recreational facilities, which offer good opportunities for relaxing. The players entertain

themselves after paying the required fee. The fee is taken as an income to the club.

Although the golf courses present serious challenges to the environment, careful

consideration and assessment can alleviate the menace. The administration ought to consider

improved environmental performance and reduce the destructive engagements of the golf course.

The improved performance demonstrates customer satisfaction as the golfers enjoy the natural

serenity of the surrounding. Research has revealed that the quality of playing and the general

satisfaction of the golfers is influenced by the management of the course and the general harmony

Surname: 7

of the natural environment (Giles 67). Nevertheless, the improved management system leads to

reduced financial losses and expenditures on insurance premiums, fertilizers, pesticides, energy,

and fuel. The exposure and liability of risks on handling, application of chemicals, and storing is

significantly improved through integrated environmental performance and conservation.

Recommendations

Indigenous plants and populations can be protected through preservation of ecosystems that are

necessary for their survival. Ecosystem preservation entails conservation of soil, plant, and

climate. Protection and conservation of the ecosystem are of paramount importance as they focus

on maintenance of biodiversity sources, erosion control, carbon dioxide sequestration, and

pollutant detoxification (Dodson 76). There are several wildlife preservation areas in this town.

The administration should embark on engaging everybody to contribute towards the preservation

of the environment so as to make sure that there is continuity of wildlife. The existing habitats can

be altered through dynamic changes in a number of abiotic factors. Pollution, increased siltation

and reduced shading from overhanging trees are some of the contributing factors of ecosystem

damage.

Regarding lighting, 20 to 25 percent of all buildings in the golf courses are acquainted with

electricity. Light conservation is the simplest way of conserving resources (Dodson 76). The

government ought to encourage all residents to embark on energy conservation by regulating the

amount of electricity that is consumed during golf course engagements. A well-designed lighting

assessment will be of paramount importance in ensuring that installations of excessive lighting

fixtures are removed. This will incorporate the use of task-specific lighting rather than relying on

Surname: 8

overhead lighting. Motion sensors can be installed alongside electric lines to automatically turn on

and off the lights at times when it is not needed.

Conclusion

In summary, environmental conservation is of paramount importance in making a surrounding

habitat that is healthy, safe, and suitable for golf course. There should be no compromise in

conserving environment as it is an essential aspect in creating a healthy place of living. It does not

follow that all measures that a golf course takes are successful. This is because some measures of

environmental conservation are not well-calculated or informed. Governmental institutions,

communal initiatives and individual volunteers ought to come up to sensitize golf course members

on ways that can help in curbing pollution. Periodic inspection can help in making sure that the

initiatives made are implemented to the latter. Further, golfers should be taught on how to be

responsible at their individual capacities. The underlying reason is that environmental conservation

is a collective thing.

Surname: 9

Works Cited

Barrett, James. Golf Course Irrigation: Environmental Design and Management Practices.

Hoboken, N.J: J. Wiley & Sons, 2003

Dodson, Ronald G. Sustainable Golf Courses: A Guide to Environmental Stewardship. Hoboken,

N.J: J. Wiley & Sons, 2005.

Giles, Geoffrey. 101 Golf Courses: A Tour of the Best and Most Uplifting Golf Courses in the

World. , Bath: Parragon, 2010

Gillihan, Scott W. Bird Conservation on Golf Courses: A Design and Management Manual.

Chelsea, Mich: Ann Arbor Press, 2000

Heuer, Karla L, and Cecil McKay. Golf Courses: A Guide to Analysis and Valuation. Chicago,

Ill: American Institute of Real Estate Appraisers, 1980

McKinney, Michael L, Robert M. Schoch, and Logan Yonavjak. Environmental Science:

Systems and Solutions. Boston: Jones and Barlett Publishers, 2012.

Place new order. It's free, fast and safe

Paper type

Deadline

Page count

550 words

Total price: $ 15.00

Our customers say

Jeff Curtis

USA, Student

"I'm fully satisfied with the essay I've just received. When I read it, I felt like it was exactly what I wanted to say, but couldn’t find the necessary words. Thank you!"

Ian McGregor

UK, Student

"I don’t know what I would do without your assistance! With your help, I met my deadline just in time and the work was very professional. I will be back in several days with another assignment!"

Shannon Williams

Canada, Student

"It was the perfect experience! I enjoyed working with my writer, he delivered my work on time and followed all the guidelines about the referencing and contents."