News article
England Golf supports agronomists and greenkeepers through new project with R&A
England Golf, the governing body for male and female amateur golf in England, has launched a 24-part video series, which highlights the specific challenges faced by agronomists and greenkeepers, using expertise from The R&A Sustainable Agronomy Service.
England Golf, the governing body for male and female amateur golf in England, has launched a 24-part video series, which highlights the specific challenges faced by agronomists and greenkeepers, using expertise from The R&A Sustainable Agronomy Service.
The R&A is a historic golfing body based at The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, in Scotland.
The educational series for golfers will help to establish sustainable greenkeeping practices used during escalating weather extremes, while also highlighting essential work required to overcome agronomic challenges.
"An interactive, engaging series shared via our social media channels is the best way to educate golfers and manage their expectations when it comes to the condition of their course."
Owen James, Sustainability Manager at England Golf, commented: “Implementing sustainable practices is essential to the future of our courses and our sport in general. An interactive, engaging series shared via our social media channels is the best way to educate golfers and manage their expectations when it comes to the condition of their course.”
Agronomy teams will also have to manage expectations for members concerning weather forecasts and resource limitations. Additionally, they will have to weigh up the practicality of exposing the course to more traffic and potentially causing long-term damage. Some of the topics addressed during the project include what to consider when cutting the greens, managing resources and ensuring sufficient irrigation.
The 24-part series will be published every week via England Golf’s Instagram channels, with the first having gone live last Friday (May 3).
“Now feels like the perfect time to be releasing this content, given the record levels of rainfall we’ve experienced across the UK this winter and the wider challenges we are experiencing due to climate change,” added Simon Watson, Senior Agronomist at The R&A.
“The short-form videos in this series will help golfers understand what agronomy teams endure throughout the year to keep a golf course in good condition.”
Image: England Golf