July 2nd, 2025 • By Caroline Reitmeyer
4 Minute Read
Smart, Green, and Inclusive: Emerging Trends in Course Sustainability
The Shift toward Sustainable Design
As we have explored throughout our previous blogs, golf courses have been associated with pristine turfgrass features, perfectly maintained landscapes, and high-maintenance appearance. While visually striking, these courses often come with a hidden cost of heavy water use, routine chemical inputs, and energy-intensive upkeep.
Beyond the environmental toll, many traditional courses have also been shaped by values of exclusivity and seclusion, often limiting public access and overlooking their potential role within the broader community or surrounding ecosystem.
The golf industry continues to face growing pressure to modernize, specifically in terms of its ecological impact. Environmental organizations, community advocacy groups, and even local and state governments are calling for more environmentally responsible land management and resource use on golf courses. At the same time, rising operational costs, primarily due to water and energy, are making old maintenance models financially unsustainable.
All of these challenges are resulting in a surge in innovation and transformation across the industry.
Key Emerging Trends in Golf course sustainability
Water Conservation and Management
Water is arguably the most critical and closely examined resource in golf course management. In many regions, drought conditions and long-term water scarcity are forcing the golf industry to rethink how water is used, sourced, and protected. As public pressure grows and regulatory environments tighten, water management is no longer optional, it is essential.
Across the industry, golf courses are responding with innovative strategies to both reduce overall consumption and improve water quality:
Drought-resistant turfgrass: Many courses are shifting toward turfgrass varieties specifically bred for drought tolerance. These species require far less irrigation and are better suited to thrive under local climate extremes, especially in arid or water-stressed regions.
Smaller, well-maintained turf areas: By reducing the size of intensely maintained sections, courses can significantly reduce water use and other resource inputs.
Rainwater harvesting and recycling: Collection systems are becoming increasingly popular and allow courses to capture and reuse rainwater for irrigation.
Efficient irrigation systems: Smart systems using soil moisture sensors, weather data, and zone-specific delivery are replacing outdated, wasteful sprinkler systems.
Protecting Water Quality
In addition to the conservation of water sources, the quality of the resources must be protected. Some ways to do this are:
Vegetative buffer zones: Installing vegetative buffers around water bodies can help filter runoff and reduce nutrient contamination before entering water bodies. Many courses now designate no-spray zones near water bodies and install buffers that serve multiple purposes including improving water quality, providing wildlife habitat, and enhancing the natural aesthetics of the course.
Fertilizer reduction: Courses have increasingly started to turn to the use of environmentally safe fertilizers and tighter restrictions on the application of fertilizers to help minimize nutrient pollution.
Vegetative buffer strips at Radrick Farms Golf Course, Ann Arbor, MI
Energy Efficiency and Clean Technology
An easier and more accessible switch is making more energy conscious equipment and technology. Some specific ways courses are making this switch are:
Solar power: Courses are increasingly using rooftops, parking structures, and out-of-play areas to install solar panels and harvest renewable energy. This not only reduces reliance on the electrical grid and cuts long-term energy costs, but in some regions, excess energy can be sold back to the grid, creating an additional revenue stream.
Electronic equipment: Many courses are phasing out gas-powered tools in favor of electric alternatives, which can be charged using on-site solar power. This shift reduces emissions, lowers fuel costs, and simplifies maintenance.
LED Lighting: One of the easiest switches a course can do is switching to LED lighting. LED lights are more efficient and environmentally friendly than traditional bulbs.
Community and Stakeholder Engagement
While many emerging trends in golf course sustainability focus on environmental impact, true sustainability must also include social and economic dimensions. At Greener Golf, we define sustainability as the design, maintenance, and management of golf facilities that are environmentally responsible, socially inclusive, and economically sound.
One of the most promising and necessary areas for progress is social inclusion. While strides have been made, there is still significant room for growth. The following initiatives represent key trends aimed at strengthening community engagement and broadening access to the game:
Community empowerment and inclusivity: Courses are becoming more accessible by expanding affordable access, offering flexible pricing structures, removing restrictive dress codes, and providing alternative play formats such as short loops, par-3 layouts, and putting courses. Many are also increasing their role as community spaces, hosting local events, supporting multifunctional land use, and creating welcoming environments for players of all backgrounds and skill levels.
Educational programs: Programs such as The First Tee and in-course STEM programming are teaching youth life skills, golf fundamentals, and environmental awareness in a hands-on setting.
Environmentally Responsible Golf Course Design
Across the industry, course architects are increasingly embracing minimalist design principles and ecological integration. These approaches reduce the environmental footprint of construction and long-term maintenance while supporting healthier landscapes and ecosystems.
Minimalist design: Prioritizes the use of existing landforms, minimizes grading and earthmoving, and reduces the footprint of irrigated and intensively managed turf.
Ecological integration: Designs that work with the existing environment, protecting native habitats, supporting wildlife, and avoiding disruption to natural systems.
Pollinator gardens and native plants: Incorporating native vegetation reduces irrigation needs, supports biodiversity, and fosters resilient, self-sustaining ecosystems.tes healthy ecosystems.
Technology-driven design: Tools such as heat mapping, soil sensors, and aerial imagery allow for more precise planning, identifying areas of high resource demand and guiding efficient interventions.
At Greener Golf, we believe responsible course design is one of the most powerful levers for long-term sustainability. Our design services are rooted in environmental stewardship, landscape sensitivity, and performance. We also partner with facilities to apply the Greener Golf Index, helping identify opportunities to improve ecological performance through design, maintenance, and daily operations.
The Future of Golf Is Green, Inclusive, and Resilient
Sustainability in the golf industry has become a necessity. From water conservation and clean energy to inclusive community engagement, the transformation of golf courses is well underway. The emerging trends outlined above reflect a growing commitment to designing and managing courses that are environmentally sound, socially inclusive, and economically viable.
By embracing responsible course design, innovative technologies, and meaningful community partnerships, the industry can honor the tradition of the game while ensuring its future. Sustainability in golf is not about sacrificing quality or experience; it’s about creating courses that thrive in harmony with their environment and serve as valuable assets to the broader community.