Golf clubs across England and Wales are being encouraged to take part in a major new study exploring water usage, future supply options and the long-term resilience of the golf sector.
The Environment Agency, in partnership with the wholesale and retail water sector for England and Wales, England Golf, Wales Golf, BIGGA and the Golf Club Management Association, is undertaking a nationwide study entitled Golf Sector Resilience and Alternative Water Supply Options.
The research aims to establish a comprehensive picture of water use across the golf industry, identify opportunities for alternative water supplies and explore how clubs can improve their long-term water resilience.
Shaping the future of water provision for golf
The study will assess current water consumption across golf facilities and identify opportunities to reduce reliance on potable water for course irrigation through alternative supplies and increased water storage.
Its findings will also help inform future changes to water abstraction and storage regulations, with the aim of providing golf clubs with greater flexibility and improved access to water resources.
By quantifying the sector’s potential to reduce water demand, the research will also contribute to national and regional water targets and help establish a clearer picture of the investment and infrastructure opportunities available to golf clubs.
Why your club’s contribution matters
The success of this research relies on participation from golf clubs across England and Wales.
A strong response from clubs of all sizes and types will ensure the findings accurately reflect the sector’s water requirements, challenges and opportunities.
For General Managers and Course Managers, this is an opportunity to contribute to research that could influence future water policy, regulation and supply options for the golf industry.
Completing the survey will require information about your club’s water consumption. If you need assistance identifying these figures, your water bill should be the first point of reference, particularly for consumption volumes measured in cubic metres (m³).
If you are unable to locate the relevant information, your water retailer or wholesale water provider should be able to assist.
This is the water census for golf
This is more than another industry survey. It is an opportunity to establish the most comprehensive picture yet of water use across the golf sectors in England and Wales.
The information gathered will help ensure golf’s current and future requirements are recognised and represented in discussions around water availability, regulation and alternative supply options.
Every club has a role to play, and every response will help build a stronger evidence base for the future of golf.
Complete the survey
Golf clubs are strongly encouraged to take part and ensure their water usage and requirements are represented in this important national study.
CLICK HERE TO COMPLETE THE SURVEY
By Mark Shanley
