IMPORTANT DETAILS OF SUSTAINABLE GOLF COURSE CONSTRUCTION. Marc Biber German Golf Association (DGV) German Greenkeeper s Association (GVD)

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1 IMPORTANT DETAILS OF SUSTAINABLE GOLF COURSE CONSTRUCTION Marc Biber German Golf Association (DGV) German Greenkeeper s Association (GVD)

2 Profile: Marc Biber Academic degree: Dipl.-Ing. agr. (Agronomist) Professional experience: 8 years in golf course construction 3 years as a club manager, since 01/2003 working for DGV (as a consultant for golf course management) and a general secretary for GVD Golf Hcp: 11,1

3 Number of Golf Courses in Europe OF EGA Environmental issues now affect all golf course development and management operations. Golf courses are now built and operated in a society where environmental protection and enhancement are high profile and high priority. Do we act according to that? Number of golf courses in Europe: approx Total need of surface ca ha (= km²) Need of surface: relevant!! Golf: outdoor sport + intensive relationship with nature

4 Serious Environmental Initiatives

5 Less serious Initiatives

6 Controversial Golf Developments Son Bosc, Mallorca ( Trump International Scottland, Aberdeen (

7 Triangle of Sustainability, Definition of R&A Optimising the playing quality of the golf course in harmony with the conservation of its natural environment under economically sound and socially responsible management. Social aspects To explain to the population around a golf project what will change To inform better the public in general To create more benefit and advantages to the population around a G.C.

8 Homepage of Action Group against the (well) planned Ryder-Cup Course The action group wants to Preserve the area for recreation Save the cultural landscape Maintain arable land for food production Save home landscape from being spoiled

9 Our common Goal: Improving Golf s Environmental credibility

10 Environmental relevant Phases in Golf Course Development Surveying and staking Land clearing Rough grading Shaping of features Finishing Work (Seeding) Growing in Landscape Guidelines for Golf Course Development Risk for high environmental impacts during construction phase - short term and - long term

11 Recommendations of The R&A When considering construction works on any part of the golf course you should: plan well in advance and, if possible, work at a time of year when ground conditions will be reasonably dry to achieve best results and least damage designate an individual to take charge of the project, usually the course manager produce a specification of works, whether completing the work in-house or going out to tender produce a bill of quantities draw up a contract if putting the work out to tender, which should include the specification and bill of quantities to ensure that all companies quote for the same items. The provision of appropriate drawings which complement the specification is very important. It is best practice to enter a competitive tendering process Specify the materials, employing the best that can be afforded. If you cannot afford materials of suitable quality, postpone the project until you can plan for appropriate laboratory testing of materials Identify suitable storage for and plan to minimise handling of materials Identify and follow any regulations relating to construction, e.g. health and safety Identify routes for the passage of machines and materials to site Draw up a planned reinstatement programme for ground taking construction traffic Employ expert consultants of proven pedigree as required.

12 I Site selection and design

13 Environmental Factors for Healthy Turf Mowing Irrigation Seed variety Drainage Site selection Growing in Fertilisation Wear Cultural measures

14 Green after heavy Snow-Mold Infection

15 II Earthworks

16 Erosion control Most areas have regulations to minimize erosion and siltation on a construction site. ( Bundesbodenschutzgesetz, BBodSchG; Mit Grund und Boden soll sparsam und schonend umgegangen werden ) Depending on the topography devises such as: Sediment basins Silt fences Hay bales should be installed

17 Topsoil often: Stripped to wet To compacted Stored to long Heap to high and at the wrong place

18 Impact: Remodelling of a Fairway

19 VI Placing of rootzone

20 Wrong Depth of Rootzone-Mix Source: Thomas Fischer Result: Different growing conditions & irrigation needs Shallower root system More susceptible grass sward

21 Healthy Root System from a Tee

22 III Plant Protection

23 EU-Pesticide Directive Germany: new Pflanzenschutzgesetz (PflSchG) probably by end of this year

24 National action plan (NAP) Less risk more confidence

25 Rootzone of a traditional Push-Up Green Pfh Profile of a golf green on loamy sand Plug with maintenance horizon (yellow, Pfh)

26 Construction of a modern Putting Green - according to FLL-Construction Guideline (FLL-Richtlinie für den Bau von Golfplätzen, 2000 & 2008)

27 Development of a Rootzone Horizon of a modern Golf Green Seeding grow in mature grass sward (dense) Building up of organic matter C org (roots and thatch) New green approx. 1,5-2 Mass % C org After 2-3 year 3,5-4,5 Mass % C org Precise management plan for maintenance Monitoring (drainage water and natural water features)

28 Impact on the Design of a Drainage System on a Golf Course Anwendungsbestimmungen (NW801) Drän- und Oberflächenwasser von behandelten Funktionsflächen (Greens und Abschläge) sind in Auffangsysteme mit ausreichender Kapazität und nicht unmittelbar in Gewässer abzuleiten. Begründung: Der besondere Aufbau von Funktionsflächen auf Golfplätzen, speziell Greens und Abschläge, sowie das typische Beregnungs-Szenario (bis hin zu täglicher Wässerung in der Vegetationsperiode) werden durch Standard-Simulationen nicht abgebildet. Eine Abschätzung der Exposition von Gewässerorganismen ist nicht möglich, daher kann keine Risikobewertung durchgeführt werden. Eine Anwendung des Mittels "Banner Maxx" ist somit für diese Indikation nur auf Funktionsflächen (z.b. Greens und Abschläge) möglich, deren technische Ausstattung (z.b. Drainagesystem) ein Auffangen des Drän- und Oberflächenwassers ermöglicht und damit eine Kontamination von schützenswerten Oberflächengewässern verhindert. Bundesamt für Verbraucherschutz und Lebensmittelsicherheit (BVL) Federal Agency for Consumer Protection, Environment and Food

29 Drainage Outlet traditional style

30 Drainage Outlet traditional style

31 Drainage Outlet moderne style Recommended future design of a drainage system for a golf green

32 Drainage Outlet modern style with a sump (seepage basin) Empty during dry period Full after rainfall

33 Island-Greens have to planned even more carefully in the future to minimise negative environmental impact West-Golf, Cologne Coeur d' Alene, Floating Green

34 Visions and sustainable ideas that s what we need now

35 IV Monitoring: Öffentliche Golfanlage Köln-Widdersdorf, near Cologne Maintenance and development plan A Lysimeter will be incorporated in Green 18 Monitoring of drainage water

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