Blue Dot: USGA Science – Making Golf Courses More Environmentally Sustainable (4/24/2021)

Dave talks to two scientists from the United States Golf Association about their efforts to make golf courses more environmentally friendly in a world where green spaces are highly valued and water is an increasingly precious commodity. Matt Pringle discusses the high tech “Deacon” program named after Arnold Palmer’s father, who was a golf pro and course manager in Latrobe, Pennsylvania when Arnie was growing up. Deacon uses a data driven system to help golf courses manage precious resources to enhance resource conservation as well as making the game more enjoyable for players. Then Dave visits with Cole Thompson who is head of the USGA’s Turf Management and Environmental Research Program which strives to make golf courses more efficient in their use of water and other resources. From putting surfaces to rough and fairways, golf is literally going green in the 21st century thanks to data driven science.

Airs at 9am on Saturday, April 24, 2021.