by Has your local golf course been affected by flooding? This is just one of many environmental challenges facing golf clubs in the UK Custodian Golf has examined the future viability of some degree programs in its latest findings.
Flooding and coastal erosion
The Securing the Future of Golf white paper shows that of the 1,988 golf courses in England, 117 are at high risk of severe flooding, affecting around 6% of all golf courses. Flooding not only disrupts play but also reduces the number of membership renewals, which can have a devastating financial impact on clubs already struggling with rising maintenance and insurance costs. The problem of flooding is not an isolated incident; Even partial flooding can result in significant loss of revenue and deter members who instead seek drier alternatives.
As sea levels rise and heavy rainfall becomes more frequent, waters along the East Coast are at real risk of disappearing due to rising tides and coastal erosion. These changes not only compromise the physical integrity of the courses, but also reduce playability and discourage members, potentially resulting in significant loss of revenue for clubs that rely heavily on memberships and visitor play.
Effects of droughts
In addition to floods, the problem of drought is also a pressing problem. The south and east of England are particularly at risk, where there are warnings about possible restrictions on water use for golf courses. Some clubs may soon face constraints on both water supplies and their own borehole supplies, further highlighting the need for proactive water resilience planning for clubs. Clubs are urged to contact water authorities now to secure their water future, as waiting could have devastating consequences for turf quality and pitch playability in just a few years.
Phil GriceHead of Venues at Custodian Golf, comments: “Managing water resources has become an expensive undertaking, with outdated irrigation systems leaving many clubs ill-equipped to cope with extended dry spells. Custodian Golf’s analysis shows the need to install modern irrigation technology to minimize the impact of drought conditions – can exceed £1m, a prohibitive expense for most clubs. In many regions, the imbalance in rainfall across the UK has further widened the gap between the clubs that can adapt and those at risk of closure. “
“We are at a critical juncture for golf in the UK. The climatic challenges – whether too much water or too little – are exacerbating the already difficult economic environment for golf clubs. A proactive and data-driven approach is critical to helping clubs address these challenges. “Manage challenges effectively.”
The R&A’s Golf Course 2030 initiative shows how clubs can prepare for these climate impacts. Current research focuses on water management strategies, integrated pest and disease management, and coastal management techniques to ensure a more sustainable future for golf. These projects include solutions such as developing drought-tolerant turf varieties, establishing best practices for water use and implementing coastal protection measures to reduce the risk of erosion
professor Jacob Tompkins OBEWater consultant at Ecoprod, commented: “Floods and droughts pose a direct threat to golf. Golf clubs should pay attention to this report as they face a difficult choice in how to use their water more efficiently and manage their land to withstand heavy rainfall and better habitats, or face an uncertain future in which they are seen as a burden on the environment and compete with corporations and private properties for dwindling water supplies. Courses should immediately address sustainable water management.”
Custodian Golf advocates for strategic changes such as implementing smart irrigation systems that target specific areas of the course and only when needed, and developing flood-resistant course designs. Additionally, consideration of environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles is key to developing golf clubs into community-focused venues that offer more than just traditional golf experiences.
With 433 golf clubs across the UK identified as being at risk of closure, Custodian Golf’s white paper urges the golf community to act now. By investing in sustainable practices, adopting new technologies and re-evaluating business models, sport can adapt to its changing environment while continuing to provide a valuable recreational opportunity for future generations.
For further information and to access the white paper, please visit https://www.custodiangolf.co.uk/.
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