environment as a luxury is no longer acceptable if golf is to survive long- term. Golf clubs must recognise the contribution of the environment


above is that golf clubs must understand the marketplace that they are working in, the aspirations that drive the sport forward and what and where added value can be generated. Treating the environment as a luxury is no longer acceptable if golf is to survive long-term. Golf clubs must recognise the contribution of the environment, and provide an integrated and holistic way forward that will lead to long term sustainability and golf ’s long term stability.


STRI Innovation here to help


STRI has recently pioneered new innovation by way of the STRI Programme, a programme of data collection that allows individual clubs to benchmark putting and playing surface quality, and tailor management to bring


Treating the


about objective improvement. Our ecologists now use hemispherical image analysis techniques to identify and quantify inappropriate trees. This level of innovation not only maintains STRI lead in this increasingly competitive world but, for golf clubs, we are providing sophistication that will improve the quality of the greens whilst minimising tree loss, which is always an emotional problem that clubs find difficult to resolve. If we are to move forward as motivated


forward thinking golf clubs, then we first need to address the membership. Let them know the long term intention and how the golf club’s competitive edge will manifest itself.


The golf club will need a business case to demonstrate the holistic or strategic


intentions. This would include engaging consultants in turfgrass and ecology; it may involve an architectural assessment to ensure that, alongside the wider improvements, the golf course layout meets the criteria to ensure modern day standards are met. The difficult task here is getting the message over in the first place but, once a plan is in place, it does become much easier to implement. A structured plan would reduce the burden on the greenstaff, it would give ownership to the issues identified at all levels within the club, all of which could be dealt with in a prioritised and structured way.


All images are of Fulford Golf in Yorkshire, where head greenkeeper, Mark Mennell, works closely with the STRI on environmental matters. ©Pitchcare/Laurence Gale MSc


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