Industry experts explain how clubs can protect water supplies, cut consumption and build resilience for a drier future.
This article is part of GCMA Insights – topical content for golf industry professionals, discussing the things that matter to those who work in golf clubs.
In this GCMA Insights episode of Golf Club Talk UK, Leighton Walker is joined by GCMA CEO Tom Brooke, BIGGA Membership Director Scott Reeves, England Golf Head of Sustainability Kirsten McEvoy, Mike Gray from Castle Water and Andrew Tucker from Thames Water.
The panel examines why water security has become a major concern for golf clubs as wetter winters, drier summers, rising costs and tighter restrictions place increasing pressure on course management.
Tom describes water security as golf’s biggest challenge, while Scott outlines the practical and agronomic difficulties facing greenkeepers, including hand watering, ageing irrigation systems and unpredictable conditions.
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Kirsten discusses England Golf’s Water Security Toolkit, which helps clubs assess their requirements, infrastructure and potential solutions. These could include working with neighbouring landowners and communities on storage projects that also support flood management and wider environmental objectives.
Andrew explains the pressure on national water resources and why golf must reduce its reliance on potable water for irrigation by exploring alternative supplies and greater on-site storage. Mike considers how smart metering can help clubs understand consumption, identify leaks and improve billing accuracy.
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The episode also explores the industry survey and proposed “State of the Nation” report being developed through collaboration between golf bodies and the water sector. Better evidence will support future policy, regulation and investment decisions.
Clubs are encouraged to start with achievable measures before considering longer-term projects such as reservoirs and water harvesting. With planning, approvals and funding potentially taking years, early action will leave clubs better prepared for future droughts, restrictions and changes in water availability.
Listen to the full episode here:
This article is part of GCMA Insights – topical content for golf industry professionals, discussing the things that matter to those who work in golf clubs.
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