New Jersey publishes BMP guidelines for golf courses

Golf course superintendents lead the development of statewide best management practices with a grant from the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America

Lawrence, Kan. (Feb. 16, 2021) – The work of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of New Jersey, an affiliated chapter of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA), has resulted in the publication of “New Jersey Golf Industry Best Management Practices.”

The effort was part of an initiative GCSAA to establish BMPs in all 50 states by the end of 2020, which has been accomplished.

The New Jersey BMPs were developed in part by using the BMP Planning Guide and Template created by the GCSAA and funded and supported by the USGA.

The GCSANJ received a $10,000 BMP grant that GCSAA funded through the association’s Environmental Institute for Golf (EIFG) in part by the PGA Tour. The BMP grant program provides funding through the EIFG to chapters for developing new guides, updating existing guides or for verification programs.

The BMPs provide guidance in 10 key areas including nutrient management, water quality monitoring and management, pesticide management and pollinator protection.

“Water conservation and water quality are key issues for us, especially with so much of the state being on the coast,” Jeremy Hreben, CGCS, superintendent at Indian Spring Golf Course in Marlton, N.J., who was chairman of the BMP steering committee said. “We knew that we needed a manual representing our expertise and knowledge on these issues.”

In addition to Hreben, members of the BMP steering committee Darrell Marcinek, CGCS, director of golf maintenance at Somerset County Parks Commission in North Branch, N.J.; Brandon Perrine, superintendent at Deerwood Country Club in Mount Holly, N.J.; Michael Tardogno, superintendent, at Skyway Golf Course at Lincoln Park West in Jersey City, N.J.; Matthew Castagna, director of golf course maintenance at TPC Jasna Polana in Princeton, N.J.; and James A. Murphy, Ph.D., Extension specialist, Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension.

To read “New Jersey Golf Industry Best Management Practices” and to learn more about GCSAA’s BMP program, visit www.gcsaa.org/bmp.

About GCSAA and the EIFG
The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) is a leading golf organization in the United States. Its focus is on golf course management, and since 1926 GCSAA has been the top professional association for the men and women who manage golf courses in the U.S. and worldwide. From its headquarters in Lawrence, Kan., the association provides education, information and representation to nearly 19,000 members in more than 78 countries. The association’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, or find us on Facebook or Twitter. Visit our industry-leading magazine at GCMonline.com.

The Environmental Institute for Golf is the philanthropic organization of the GCSAA. Its mission is to foster sustainability through research, awareness, education, programs and scholarships for the benefit of golf course management professionals, golf facilities and the game. Visit EIFG at www.eifg.org, or find us on Facebook or Twitter.