Phoenix, Arizona, United States: Displaying a strong level of collaboration, four major golf associations came together during the 2024 GCSAA Conference and Trade Show to demonstrate the golf industry’s commitment to sustainability at Golf’s Sustainability Showcase.

Modelling a golf hole with grass, tees and greens, this unique experiential platform brought together the Golf Course Builders Association of America (GCBAA), Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA), United States Golf Association (USGA) and American Society of Golf Course Architects (ASGCA) to create the Showcase outside of the Phoenix Convention Centre.

It was presented in partnership with Syngenta, along with additional supporters Pond Hawk, Capillary Flow, West Coast Turf, PRM, Gary Brawley Golf Design and Ewing.

The Showcase featured exhibits and displays highlighting research, innovation, technology and best practices, as well as story-tellers who brought to life the sustainability efforts and progress throughout the golf industry, which represents 14,000 golf facilities and 26 million golfers.

“Golf’s Sustainability Showcase not only demonstrated the many ways that the golf industry is engaged in environmental stewardship, but also showed how the different elements of golf – golfers, superintendents, architects and builders – all play a role in sustainability efforts,” GCSAA CEO Rhett Evans said.

“We are proud to be a part of this collaborative effort with our friends at the USGA, GCBAA and ASGCA to create a space where those engaged in the industry as well as golfers and the general public can learn about golf’s sustainability through an interactive experience.”

Golf’s Sustainability Showcase featured:

• Two interactive tee boxes, one with drip irrigation and one with hydroponic irrigation.
• Interactive tee boxes and greens with the latest in irrigation and sensor technology.
• The millions in research and technology invested by the industry are creating turfgrass that is more resistant to heat and drought and allow courses to water less while still providing a great playing experience.
• A pond retention area featuring retention systems and solar powered environmental solutions to pond aerating by Pond Hawk.
• Interactive green featuring multiple types of turf demonstrating the science of water reducing turf, an interactive cutaway showing the technology of moisture meters and demonstrations on increasing soils’ ability to retain water.
• Information on how the GCSAA is engaging communities through its First Green STEM learning programme.
• Information on how the GCSAA, USGA, GCBAA, ASGCA are working to deliver enhanced golfer experiences.
• The economic value that the golf industry provides to local communities.
• How the associations are strengthening the future health of the game by engaging the next generation of industry leaders.

“We’ve again built a working model showcasing the research-based work and innovations golf course builders collaborating with golf course architects and golf course superintendents have achieved,” GCBAA Executive Director Justin Apel said.

“It was designed to provide a glimpse into the future of golf’s efforts to remain sustainable for future players. From cutaway views to experts sharing their knowledge, this was a true learning lab demonstrating the work that has been accomplished in creating sustainable golf courses,” added Apel.

Superintendents, USGA experts, researchers, architects, builders, community leaders and others in the industry spoke to attendees and visitors at the Showcase and shared their insights.

“Environmental sustainability is not just a commitment, but an imperative for golf to proactively plan for the future,” said Mike Whan, CEO of the USGA. “It is our job as industry leaders to invest in research, expertise, education and critical forums like these, to share knowledge and ensure our kids, and their kids, have a place to play for years to come.”

Located just outside the entrance of the Phoenix Convention Centre, the Sustainability Showcase featured three days of events (January 30-February 1).

Mike Benkusky, ASGCA President, said: “The interactive opportunities available to attendees grows each year, and the Sustainability Showcase is the latest example.

“ASGCA members work each day – alongside builders, superintendents and the game’s governing bodies – to care for the land and make a positive impact on the environment. This Showcase brought it all together and was a memorable part of our time in Phoenix.”