In late February, the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) will begin conducting a national survey of golf facilities, focusing on energy use and environmental practices.

The survey is part of a multi-year, first-of-its-kind project undertaken by GCSAA that will document environmental stewardship practices and establish an environmental profile of golf courses. The Golf Course Environmental Profile project is designed to collect information that allow superintendents and other facility personnel to become better managers, help them operate more efficiently and leads to GCSAA developing more valuable programs and services. The information will include details about playing surfaces, natural resources, environmental stewardship efforts and maintenance practices on the golf course.

To date, four phases of the survey have been executed, concentrating on the physical profile of a golf facility; water use and conservation; nutrient (fertilizer) use; and pesticide use. Results from each phase will first appear in a peer-reviewed scientific journal, then in Golf Course Management, the association's monthly publication. It then will be widely distributed for consumption by interested parties. Information on water use and conservation was published in Applied Turfgrass Science in January and a full report of the survey is available at www.eifg.org.

The energy use and environmental practices survey will be distributed to GCSAA member and non-member golf facilities, Feb. 23 and must be completed by April 5. Funding for all surveys comes from The Environmental Institute for Golf, thanks to a grant from The Toro Co. Giving Program. Toro has contributed more than $250,000 to this project since it was launched. All superintendents may participate with the survey regardless of previous survey participation. GCSAA members will receive 0.25 service points for completing the survey.

"We are pleased to be launching this fifth survey," said GCSAA Director of Research Clark Throssell, Ph.D. "The data from the four previous surveys has helped us in establishing a baseline for environmental performance of golf facilities. Thanks primarily to the United States Golf Association and to GCSAA and its affiliated chapters for a supporting role, millions of dollars have already been invested to research golf's impact on the environment. The data show that properly managed golf courses are compatible with the environment and that golf facilities contribute positively to communities. Our project will fill in information gaps and provide a road map for advancing golf course management."

Throssell noted that this survey is a different from previous surveys in two areas: 1.) data is requested for energy use for the entire golf facility and not just the maintenance operations; and 2.) energy use records are not as readily available to some superintendents as agronomic information. Information will be sought for electricity use; natural gas, propane, heating oil use; and gasoline, diesel, bio diesel use. The companies that provide energy to golf facilities can provide a yearly summary of the specific type of energy used in 2008. In most cases, a phone call or email message requesting the information is all that is needed and the service provider will supply the information within days.

"We believe in the importance of advancing the compatibility of golf with the environment," said Mike Hoffman, chairman and CEO of The Toro Co. "GCSAA's Golf Course Environmental Profile is a project that falls directly in line with that focus and the results of the project are already having a positive impact on the industry. We are pleased to partner with The Institute in this valuable effort."

"One of the most encouraging aspects of the previous four surveys has been the high response rate," Throssell said. "That speaks to the commitment of our members. It is important that we have strong participation by both GCSAA-member and non-member superintendents to compile the necessary data. It is also vital that we get data from all types and sizes of facilities, and that leaders of those facilities support the project. It is also important that Toro is recognized for its ongoing commitment to this project. We could not do this without its support."

GCSAA is a leading golf organization and has as its focus golf course management. Since 1926, GCSAA has been the top professional association for the men and women who manage golf courses in the United States and worldwide. From its headquarters in Lawrence, Kan., the association provides education, information and representation to more than 21,000 members in more than 72 countries. GCSAA's mission is to serve its members, advance their profession and enhance the enjoyment, growth and vitality of the game of golf. Visit GCSAA at www.gcsaa.org.

The Environmental Institute for Golf, the philanthropic organization of the GCSAA, is a collaborative effort of the environmental and golf communities, dedicated to strengthening the compatibility of golf with the natural environment. The Institute concentrates on delivering programs and services involving research, education and outreach that communicate the best management practices of environmental stewardship on the golf course. For more on The Institute, visit www.eifg.org.

The Toro Co. (NYSE: TTC) is a leading worldwide provider of turf and landscape maintenance equipment, and precision irrigation systems. With sales of nearly $1.9 billion in fiscal 2008, Toro's global presence extends to more than 140 countries through its reputation of world-class service, innovation and turf expertise. Since 1914, the company has built a tradition of excellence around a number of strong brands to help customers care for golf courses, sports fields, public green spaces, commercial and residential properties, and agricultural fields. More information is available at www.toro.com.

Note: The Toro Co. Giving Program presented The Institute $50,000 Feb. 5 at the Golf Industry Show to fund the GCSAA Golf Course Environmental Profile's energy use and environmental practices survey. Download photo of check presentation here (credit Bruce Mathews).

For more information contact:
Clark Throssell, Ph.D, GCSAA director of research, at 800-472-4429 or cthrossell@gcsaa.org
Greg Lyman, GCSAA director of environmental programs at 800-472-3625 or glyman@gcsaa.org
Judson Tharin, The Toro Co. Giving Program, at 952-887-8870 or judson.tharin@toro.com