Acknowledgements
The development of the Best Management Practices for Delaware Golf Courses was made possible by superintendents in the state of Delaware, the Eastern Shore Association of Golf Course Superintendents, and scientists from the University of Delaware.
The following golf course superintendents led the effort as members of the Delaware BMP Steering Committee:
- William Reil, Gibson Island Club and Corporation
- John Jacob, Deerfield Golf and Country Club
- Greg Thomas, The Rookery Golf Club
- Jamie Palokas, Baywood Greens
- Jonathan Urbanski, Wilmington Country Club
The following scientists from the University of Delaware provided their input in developing the BMPs and reviewing drafts:
- Erik Ervin, Professor, Turfgrass and Horticultural Systems
- Bruce Vasilas, Professor, Agronomy and Soil Science
- Sue Barton, Professor, Ornamental Horticulture
- Carmine Balascio, Associate Professor, Water Resource Engineering
- Amy Shober, Professor, Soils and Nutrient Management
- Nancy Gregory, Director, Plant Diagnostic Clinic
- Deborah Delaney, Associate Professor, Entomology
- John Kaszan, M.S. student, Plant and Soil Science
- Kerry Richards, Pesticide Safety Education Program
Representatives from these organizations provided their time and expertise to develop best management practices specifically for Delaware to protect the state’s natural resources. The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control and the Delaware Department of Agriculture reviewed the draft final version of this document and contributed time and expertise to provide comments to the steering committee. The final result is realistic and implementable guidance for the state’s golf turf industry.
Funding and support for this project provided by the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) and the Eastern Shore Association of Golf Course Superintendents. The Environmental Institute for Golf (EIFG) and the United States Golf Association (USGA) funded GCSAA to develop the Best Management Practices template that served as source material for this project.
Golf Course Superintendents Association of America
GCSAA is the professional association for the men and women who manage and maintain the game’s most valuable resource: the golf course. Today, GCSAA and its members are recognized by the golf industry as one of the key contributors in elevating the game and business to its current state.
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, Kansas, the association provides education, information, and representation to more than 17,000 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.
Environmental Institute for Golf
EIFG fosters sustainability by providing funding for research grants, education programs, scholarships, and awareness of golf’s environmental efforts. Founded in 1955 as the GCSAA Scholarship & Research Fund for the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, the EIFG serves as the association’s philanthropic organization. The EIFG relies on the support of many individuals and organizations to fund programs to advance stewardship on golf courses in the areas of research, scholarships, education, and advocacy. The results from these activities, conducted by GCSAA, are used to position golf courses as properly managed landscapes that contribute to the greater good of their communities. Supporters of the EIFG know they are fostering programs and initiatives that will benefit the game and its environment for years to come.
United States Golf Association
USGA provides governance for the game of golf, conducts the U.S. Open, U.S. Women’s Open, U.S. Senior Open, 10 national amateur championships, two state team championships, and international matches, and celebrates the history of the game of golf. The USGA establishes equipment standards, administers the Rules of Golf and Rules of Amateur Status, maintains the USGA Handicap System and Course Rating System, and is one of the world’s foremost authorities on research, development, and support of sustainable golf course management practices.
