Golf Business News – International Turfgrass Research Initiative launched to improve global sustainability in golf

The Scandinavian Turfgrass and Environment Research Foundation (STERF), the R&A and the USGA have launched the International Turfgrass Research Initiative to develop sustainable methods of golf course and turfgrass management.

The International Turfgrass Research Initiative is a legacy of the 14th International Turfgrass Research Conference held by STERF in collaboration with the International Turfgrass Society (ITS) in Copenhagen, Denmark in 2022. Development and sustainability were the themes of the conference and STERF and ITS agreed that investing in international turfgrass research would be the most appropriate legacy from ITRC 2022.

Starting later this year, multi-year research projects will be funded to develop practical solutions that can be adopted by those who manage golf courses and turfgrass areas, to respond to the most pressing challenges facing turfgrass and golf course management around the world, including pest control. , water conservation, preserving biodiversity and landscapes, and understanding the impact of climate on turfgrass and golf courses.

A call for research proposals will be issued in May and submissions will be reviewed by a panel of researchers, practitioners and experts working in the fields of golf and turfgrass management. Successful applicants will be announced at the 15th International Turfgrass Research Conference in Japan next year.

The International Turfgrass Research Initiative commends the existing support provided by each organization in using scientific research to inform practical solutions, such as Golf Course 2030, the Mike Davis Program to Improve Golf Course Management and the STERF Research Programs.

Maria Strandberg, Director of STERF and Past President of the International Turfgrass Society, said: “In golf and other turf sports that use land and nature as a sporting environment, the challenges are many and varied, and will have a major impact on future performance. New research, energy and a change in practices in the field of golf and turf are needed to overcome these challenges.

“We are convinced that the only effective strategy to face the current challenges and create a sustainable future is international cooperation. Therefore, we look forward to, in close collaboration with our partners at the USGA and the R&A, realizing this important initiative. We want to support and encourage scientists around the world to work together and create and provide new information and tools that are important for modern and sustainable golf and turfgrass management – useful knowledge that is practical and ready to use, for example specifically for golf. studies and turfgrass management or in dialogue with the authorities and the public, and honest work to protect the environment.”

Daniel Lightfoot, Director of Sustainable Golf at The R&A, said: “The International Turfgrass Research Initiative is an important step in developing practical solutions that can be used by golf clubs around the world to address the challenges faced by golf courses and turfgrass management.

“We aim to have a positive impact on standards and practices in sustainable agronomy by providing guidance and support to golf clubs to better equip them to manage the impact that climate change and regulatory changes can have on course maintenance. We look forward to working with our partners at the USGA and the Scandinavian Turfgrass Research and Environment Foundation to bring this research program to the world.”

Cole Thompson PhD, Director, Green Section Research at the USGA, said: “The future of our game depends on the steps we take today. Together with our colleagues at The R&A and STERF, we encourage international collaboration between scientists to address key research topics in turfgrass management. As environmental stewards, we have a responsibility to develop innovative solutions that promote future sustainability, while addressing key current challenges facing the industry. We are excited to continue pushing the boundaries, not only at home through our extensive USGA Green Section programs, but now through The R&A and STERF, which aims to create lasting impacts for generations of golfers to come.”

More information can be found here and by selecting the International Turfgrass Research Initiative program at the bottom of the page.