USGA releases water conservation playbook

By Will Coughlin| March 21, 2025 0 Comments

The United States Golf Association released its Water Conservation Playbook, a digital publication aimed at helping golf courses optimize water usage. This free resource, available here, represents a significant milestone in the USGA’s ongoing efforts to promote sustainability in golf, according to the association.

Golf courses are facing increased pressure to reduce water consumption due to rising costs, limited availability and changing weather patterns. The USGA’s playbook addresses these challenges head-on, offering practical solutions for course managers and superintendents.

“We want to put the best intelligence into the hands of those who are making decisions and working on courses every day and spur innovation toward a more sustainable game,” said Mike Whan, CEO of the USGA.

The playbook combines expertise from the USGA Green Section, universities and industry professionals. Its sections include:

expected costs
implementation considerations
potential water savings and other benefits (such as improved turf quality
regions where the highest impact can be made
photos that demonstrate installation and results
step-by-step implementation notes and tips for success

Each section provides detailed information on implementation costs, potential water savings, and region-specific impacts. The guide also includes step-by-step instructions and visual aids to assist in adopting new practices.

The USGA’s initiative has garnered support from key industry players, including the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA). Rhett Evans, CEO of the GCSAA, praised the playbook as “a great tool that provides our members effective, practical solutions to conserve water through best management practices.”

The USGA expects its Water Conservation Playbook to become an essential resource for golf facilities looking to reduce their environmental impact while maintaining high-quality playing conditions. As the golf industry embraces these water-saving strategies, courses can expect to see reduced operational costs, improved turf quality and enhanced long-term sustainability.

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