THE AUGUSTA SYNDROME

The Augusta syndrome, golfers see Augusta and say ‘why doesn't my golf course look like that – blemish-free, no weeds’? 
But such standards come at a cost to the environment. Fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides and astonishing amounts of water are all necessary ingredients. They point to phosphorus-based fertilizers, which run off into local lakes and streams during watering and rainstorms, causing algae blooms that suck up oxygen and kill aquatic life. And because turf is mowed to very low heights, grass is stressed and vulnerable to pests, which leads to greater pesticide use.

And then there is the issue of water use. World Watch Institute - estimates the amount of water used per day to irrigate the world's golf course at 9.5 billion litres. The same amount of water would support 4.7 billion people at the UN daily minimum.

Yet ecologist Jim Sluiter maintains that in urban areas, a golf course can, in fact, be more environmentally-friendly than a housing development or a shopping complex. And in rural areas, it's often less harmful than an industrial farming operation.
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MAN

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HAS TIGER TURNED INTO A CHEATER?

Has Tiger turned into a cheater?
More likely this is just another example of there being too many rules in golf.
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ROLLING BACK BALL DISTANCES

Arnold Palmer recently reiterated his support of rolling back the distances on golf balls as a way to make classic older golf courses more relevant to today's power and long-distance hitters.  Palmer is not alone.  In fact, other greats of the game such as Jack Nicklaus and even Tiger Woods are in favor of reigning back the distance on today's balls.

It may come as a bit of a surprise that Tiger would be in favor of such a move considering courses like the one at the Atlantis Paradise Island casino are all built around the long game.  However, if you look at the issue a little closer, you may come to realize that the move would be ecologically sound for the game of golf.

How could pulling back on ball distance affect the game you ask?  Look at the fact that many newer golf courses that are currently being built and designed are on average 40 to 60 acres larger than they were just two decades ago.  That extra acreage comes at a cost not just to those building the course, but also to both the patrons of those courses and the environment that they are carved out of.

The USGA has been looking into the issue of rolling back ball distances for several years.  Back in 2005 they requested, received, and tested prototype balls from nine manufacturers as to how viable those balls would be.  In recent months, the organization has looked into reduced-distance balls as a way to reduce the game's environmental impact. 

Ultimately, it may take a decree from the USGA to make reduced-distance balls a reality on the tour and everyday golfing as many amateur players current scoff at the suggestion of rolling back distances on balls.  Since most average around 200 yards from the tee, they want to be able to shoot something that will make them drive longer, not hold them back.

However, if one takes a look at the overall environmental impact of longer courses then they may see that longer balls are not the answer. It does not make sense to continue to destroy valuable natural land resources just so someone can get an extra 30 to 40 yards off the tee. Rolling back ball distances can help golf to be able to reuse courses that are nearly obsolete and bring more history back into the game.

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SWEAT WITH ME

Some people are concerned about sweating even though it is completely natural. Our new pre-sweat shirts already contain darkened patches of colour where you are most likely to sweat; around the collar and under your arms.
So let’s sweat.
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THE CHEMICAL MASTERS

On the eve of the Masters, Augusta National looks great, whether you are viewing through a TV screen or lucky enough to be there in the flesh. No doubt it takes a considerable effort and skill to prepare a golf course to this standard. But is beauty skin deep?

Only grass is allowed to grow with all other species being exterminated. And the grass has to be greener than green. How has this all been achieved?

By using tons and tons of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides and hundreds of millions gallons of water. The exact figures are a closely guarded secret.

There is an organisation called the GEO (Golf Environmental Organisation) who provide a certificate to any golf course who can prove sustainable practices. I understand St Andrews is a recently certified course but Augusta is not. But why not simply create a transparent league table where tournament golf courses have to declare the amount of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides and water usage?

I used to believe golf was a great way to enjoy the environment, but in our modern world it is becoming saturated by synthetic chemicals. Whether these are applied to the fairways or in the sports apparel we wear.

Transparency should be the real name of the game. Tell us what you are using and in what quantities and we will all be able see any improvement in efficiency with regard to chemical and water usage.

Why should this information be kept secret? We might as well be walking in the dark.

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ELEMENTARY

No we haven’t overdosed on alphabet spaghetti and just because we live near Bletchley Park doesn't mean we've become hobbyist code breakers. You should be able to work it out.
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