NEW YORK GOLF
ECONOMIC & ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
In 2023, New York’s golf industry generated a direct economic impact of $6.9 billion and a total economic output of $12.9 billion including indirect and induced effects. This robust performance solidifies golf’s position as a cornerstone of the state’s vital recreation and tourism sectors. The industry is a significant employer, supporting more than 89,044 jobs and generating $3.8 billion in wages and benefits. Its economic activity contributes an estimated $1.0 billion in state and local taxes, providing essential funding for public services across the Empire State.
Economic
Impact of the Golf Sector for New York
New York Golf Economic Highlights
New York State is the nation’s fourth most populous state with a population of 19.57 million in 2023, anchored by major metropolitan areas including New York City (8.26 million), Buffalo (275,000), and Rochester (207,000). The state’s gross domestic product (GDP) exceeded $2.2 trillion in 2023, an output that, if it were a sovereign nation, would rank among the largest economies in the world.
While often defined by the Wall Street financial services sector, New York’s modern economy is remarkably diverse. Key industries driving its GDP include healthcare, professional and business services, information technology, retail trade, and manufacturing. The state’s role as a global center for business is underscored by its position as home to 53 Fortune 500 companies, ranking third in the nation. Golf provides a powerful platform for New York’s industry leaders like JPMorgan Chase, Pfizer, and Verizon to engage clients, build relationships, host charity events, and leverage business-related tourism.
Within this thriving economic landscape, the game of golf has flourished. The industry provides premier recreational amenities that enhance quality of life and function as a powerful economic engine, contributing billions in economic output, and supporting thousands of jobs statewide.
The New York Golf Market
The New York golf landscape is a unique blend of rich history and modern vitality, boasting a diverse ecosystem of courses that cater to a wide spectrum of players. As the birthplace of The PGA of America in 1916 and host to some of the game’s most iconic championships, the state’s pedigree is unrivaled. This deep heritage, combined with a recent surge in participation, has solidified New York’s status as a premier golf destination.
The stability in the state’s golf course supply has held steady at 833 facilities since 2007 (+2%) which shows the industry’s staying power and ability to serve growing demand. This dynamic of a largely fixed supply meeting escalating demand has fundamentally increased the value and utilization of existing facilities, driving revenue growth and capital investments across the state. The golf industry’s $12.9 billion impact exceeds the combined economic output of iconic New York sectors including craft beverages, horse racing, and New York Yankees home games.
Key New York Golf Facts
New York’s storied golf legacy is rooted in iconic clubs, championship history, and widespread public access. The state boasts an unparalleled collection of world-renowned courses. Golf Digest’s 2023/2024 ranking of the top courses in New York features legendary venues such as Shinnecock Hills Golf Club, National Golf Links of America, Fishers Island Club, Winged Foot Golf Club, and the Bethpage State Park Black Course, which was the first public course to host a U.S. Open. Across the state, a diverse mix of municipal, daily-fee, and resort courses ensures accessibility for all ages and abilities. Historic courses like Van Cortlandt Park Golf Course in the Bronx, the oldest public course in the U.S. dating back to 1895, showcase New York’s commitment to multi-generational participation in the game.
Golf Facility Inventory –State of New York
1.6 Million On-Course Colfers
New York ranks fourth nationally for golf participation, with 1.6 million on-course golfers.
72% Public Facilities
The state’s golf supply is broadly accessible, welcoming golfers of all skill levels, promoting physical activity, mental well-being, and outdoor engagement.
833 Golf Courses
833 golf courses, 742 facilities (72% public, 28% private), with municipal courses comprising 24% of public facilities, ranking fourth nationwide.
46
Stand-Alone Driving Ranges Affordable Public Golf
46 stand-alone driving ranges, one Topgolf entertainment venue in Holtsville, Long Island, and more than 80 resort or real estate-connected facilities.
Affordable public golf: 63% of public courses charge under $50, while 23% fall into the $50-$79 range and 14% exceed $80.
18.2 Million Rounds Played
18.2 million rounds were played in 2023. (+10.3% vs 2022)
153 Municipal Courses
153 municipal courses at 126 public facilities underscore their critical role for providing affordable access to the game.
New York Golf Industry Summary of Economic Impact
The New York golf industry generates a substantial $12.9 billion in total economic impact, a figure that encompasses direct industry sales, indirect supply chain activity, and induced household spending by employees whose livelihoods are supported by the industry. This wide-reaching impact extends to the state’s labor market, driving total employment of 89,044 and labor income of nearly $3.8 billion. The industry’s total fiscal contribution is estimated at more than $1.0 billion toward local and state taxes, supporting essential community services across the state.
2023 Economic Impact of the Golf Sector
State of New York ($ Millions)
Golf Industry Segments
Direct Impact from Core Segments
The direct economic activity generated by the core segments of New York’s golf industry forms the foundation of its overall impact. These segments, which include the daily operations of golf facilities, capital investments, sale of golf-related goods, major tournaments, and charitable events, collectively contributed nearly $6.9 billion to the state’s economy in 2023.
Golf-Related Supplies
• New York golf retail generated $163.0 million in retail margins from $387.0 million in golf apparel, equipment, and shoe sales in 2023. Of this, $170.7 million was driven by off-course retail outlets, while on-course golf shops accounted for the remaining $216.4 million in sales (included in total consumer spending within facility operations).
• 108 golf-related manufacturers and service providers were identified in New York, including golf architects, construction companies, equipment and apparel manufacturers, event and golf course management companies, and more. Golfrelated companies contributed $542.6 million to the New York economy in 2023 and supported 6,377 jobs encompassing retail, manufacturing, marketing, and corporate management roles.
• Companies that call New York home include major golf media brands GOLF Magazine and Golf Digest with significant national and global reach; in addition to OnCore Golf Technology, Inc., Summit Golf Brands golf apparel and sportswear, and Izzo Golf Accessories to name a few.
Golf Facility Operations
• Direct consumer spending at golf facilities for green fees, memberships, golf shop retail sales, driving range usage, lessons, food and beverage, and additional activities totaled $3.2 billion in 2023 vs. $1.6 billion in 2007 ($2.3 billion inflation-adjusted).
• Facility Operations is the single largest component of the industry’s economic engine across New York’s 833 courses; real growth of 38% over the 16-year period.
• Golf facility operations supported 48,464 total jobs across the state, an increase from 35,241 jobs in 2007. (+38%)
Capital Investments
• A stable number of courses and a surge in demand has created reinvestment in existing facilities to sustain the quality of New York’s golf product, supporting nearly 8,500 total jobs and $422.5 million in total labor income for the construction and service-sectors in 2023.
• In 2023, New York golf facilities directly invested over $588.6 million in capital improvements including new facility construction, large-scale course renovations, irrigation system upgrades, and improvements to clubhouses and other existing structures.
• 39% of New York golf facilities launched or continued large-scale capital projects that were not included in regular operating expenses.
Charitable Giving
• The New York golf community demonstrates a profound commitment to philanthropy, every surveyed golf facility in New York hosted at least one charitable event in 2023.
• New York golf facilities supported an impressive 14,284 total events, both golf and non-golf, raising $267.4 million in critical funds for local New York charities.
• Beneficiaries included local Boys & Girls Clubs, Food Banks, Veterans’ organizations, and a wide array of causes, from wellness to youth development, making golf a powerful vehicle for community support.
Tournaments & Associations
• New York is a premier host for major championship golf, hosting 20 U.S. Opens and 13 PGA Championships – more than any other state - across iconic venues like Winged Foot, Shinnecock Hills, Oak Hill Country Club, and Bethpage Black. The 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black marks New York’s debut on golf’s most prestigious international stage - adding a major milestone to the state’s rich golf legacy.
• In 2023 the industry generated a direct economic impact of $227.5 million from tournaments and associations. The centerpiece of 2023 was the 105th PGA Championship, held at Oak Hill in Rochester, complemented by the DICK’S Sporting Goods Open, a perennial stop on the PGA TOUR Champions schedule, hosted in Endicott, in addition to two LPGAaffiliated events, the Twin Bridges Championship (Epson Tour) in Guilderland and the inaugural LPGA Legends Weekend in Monticello.
• New York is home to over 300 golf-related associations that contributed $105.2 million in economic impact. Major associations include four Sections of the PGA of America, New York State and Metropolitan Golf Associations, the New York State Turfgrass Association, six chapters of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, and two chapters of the Club Management Association of America.
• Tournaments and Associations contributed 2,687 jobs in 2023.
Direct Impact from Enabled Segments
Golf Tourism
Beyond its core activities, the golf industry enables significant economic contributions in related sectors, most notably tourism and real estate. These segments are fueled by the appeal of New York’s golf offerings, generating a combined direct impact of nearly $2.0 billion in 2023, creating a ripple effect that supports thousands of jobs in hospitality, construction, and related service industries.
• Golf is a powerful motivator for travel, New York golf tourism generated nearly 1.6 million overnight trips, plus more than half a million day-trips of more than 50 miles within the state in 2023.
• Visiting golfers contributed nearly $1.7 billion in direct spending to the New York economy in 2023, marking a substantial increase from $520.2 million ($765 million inflation-adjusted) in 2007. In addition to staying at any of New York’s 36 golf-related resorts, expenditures include nearby lodging, transportation, food and beverage, and other entertainment by travelers on golf-related trips.
• In total, golf tourism supported more than 19,000 jobs and $871.1 million in labor income for New York through its direct, indirect, and induced activities.
Golf Real Estate
• Golf courses significantly enhance the value of surrounding real estate, driving economic and fiscal contributions that totaled over $444.6 million in direct impact in 2023. This impact is driven by two key factors:
Golf-Related Residential Construction: New residential construction in and around golf communities added significant value to the state’s housing stock, generating $311.8 million in direct spending within the construction industry. This investment, which includes the development of single-family homes and condominiums, supported 2,685 jobs through direct, indirect, and induced spending.
Net Gain to Local Tax Jurisdictions from Value Premiums: The presence of a golf course provides a quantifiable premium to the value of homes in golf course communities, adding an estimated 20% to their value. This premium generated a fiscal contribution of $132.8 million in local property tax revenue in 2023, helping to fund municipal services, city and county streets, schools, and public safety for New York communities.
New York Demographic & Industry Insights
An analysis of New York’s demographic and economic trends provides context for the golf industry’s performance. The state’s unique profile - characterized by a stable population, high household income, and a slightly older median age compared to the U.S. average shapes the market.
New York Demographic InsightsState of New York ($ Millions)
Golf’s Growth Outpaces Population Trends
The industry has experienced growth fueled by deeper engagement from the existing population, increased participation of residents, and growth in visiting golfers.
Source: US Census Bureau | 2023 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates
• New York’s population experienced modest growth at .20% annually from 2007 to 2023 — below the national growth rate of .66%.
• Median household income in New York ($82,095) is higher than the national average ($77,719), indicating a strong earnings base, and aligning with higher living costs in some areas.
• New York’s median age of 40.2 exceeds the national average of 38.2, suggesting an aging population that may influence labor force trends, healthcare demand, and recreational preferences, including golf.
• Despite slower growth, New York remains economically powerful, with a dense urban population, high income levels, and a mature consumer base — important factors for industries like golf, tourism, and events.
• New York’s population grew by 0.17% from 2022 to 2023, while the state’s golf industry showed on-course golf participation rising by 3.8%, more than 22 times the rate of population growth over the same period - in addition to growth in golf tourism up 115% in real terms since 2007, offsetting New York’s modest population growth since 2007 of 3.2% and reinforcing the industry as a stable sector and the sport’s rising appeal to both residents and visiting golfers.
• With a median age of 40.2 and a strong base of over 1.6 million on-course golfers, New York’s demographic profile and golf’s accessibility for all ages favors continued participation.
• New York’s competitive median household income of $82,095 and globally connected business landscape offers an ideal environment for golf to intersect with corporate events, tourism, and talent recruitment — underscoring the sport’s relevance in driving quality of life and economic opportunity.
New York Golf’s Community Impacts
Golf across the Empire State supports health, wellness, and recreation while enriching communities statewide. Walking 18 holes covers approximately 5 miles and cart-assisted rounds span 3 miles – supporting prevention, cardiovascular health, stronger immunity, improved mood, and cognitive benefits to reduce risk of chronic disease and associated medical costs. Golf’s impact also extends to youth development, inclusion, and accessibility across urban and rural regions.
A Welcoming Place for All
• Nearly 69% of New York courses surveyed offer youth development opportunities through junior golf, scholastic golf teams, or The First Tee. New York supports a thriving competitive environment for the state’s approximately 8,000 high school golfers and provides extensive resources for those aspiring to play at the collegiate level.
• New York PGA Sections provide extensive junior golf programming, serving over 6,200 juniors and utilizing a network of more than 400 facilities to foster youth development, sportsmanship, and a lifelong passion for the game.
• More than 50 New York courses participate in Youth on Course through the Metropolitan Golf Association and New York State Golf Association, providing affordable access to junior golfers statewide with rounds for $5 or less.
• Approximately 30% of surveyed courses provide targeted engagement for beginners, seniors, Veterans, military, and individuals with disabilities through initiatives like PGA HOPE and adaptive golf programs, offering inclusive events and therapeutic recreation to expand access and promote wellness.
• All New York PGA Sections have dedicated foundations affiliated with the PGA of America REACH Foundation’s mission to advance inclusion through programming geared toward youth, military, and under-served populations - ensuring age, background, or cost never limit access to the sport.
• About 1 in 13 New York golf courses support shared-use initiatives, such as walking trails, gardens, bird-watching areas, and educational programs - enhancing their role as community-focused greenspaces.
• 71% of New York facilities offer amenities beyond the golf course, including racquet sports, fitness, or aquatics - underscoring golf’s role in multi-sport recreation.
• Golf in New York is inclusive with women 4% more represented and diversity 13% higher than the U.S. average.
• NYSTA’s Apprenticeship Program connects students with turf careers through FFA partnerships, mentorship, and hands-on learning opportunities.
New York golf serves as a model for community engagement, with a deep commitment to nurturing the next generation of players and leaders, while promoting social and health benefits across generations.
Total Impact Summary
The New York golf industry experienced a period of extraordinary growth between 2007 and 2023, demonstrating its role as a major economic driver for the state. After adjusting 2007 figures for inflation, the analysis reveals substantial real growth with total economic impact increasing by 65% and direct impact growing by 61%. Employment expanded 57%, adding 32,450 jobs, bringing total direct, indirect, and induced employment to 89,044. Labor income grew significantly - rising 61% from an inflation-adjusted $2.36 billion in 2007 to $3.80 billion in 2023, highlighting golf’s significant contribution to New York’s workforce. These gains underscore golf’s economic influence, extending beyond the industry itself to benefit tourism, real estate, and hospitality sectors across the state.
While past performance is not a guarantee of future results, the industry’s $12.9 billion economic footprint in 2023 highlights its substantial and
Impact of the Golf Sector on the New York Economy 2007 and 2023 ($ Millions)
*2007-dollar values have been adjusted to 2023 dollars using the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Consumer Price Index, which reflects a cumulative inflation rate of 47.4% from 2007 to 2023.
**Variance from inflation-adjusted 2007 golf industry dollars as compared to 2023 figures.
New York Golf Environmental Highlights
New York’s 833 golf courses provide nearly 103,000 acres of greenspace across the state supporting wildlife habitats, air quality, water filtration, flood mitigation, and urban cooling. These courses generate a direct economic contribution of approximately $67,000 per acre. Golf is present in all ten New York regions including Long Island, Mid-Hudson, Central NY, Finger Lakes, Western NY, the Southern Tier, Capital Region, New York City, North Country, and Mohawk Valley.
Golf Course Acres by Region
The number of New York golf courses remains largely unchanged from 818 courses in 2007, with 39% of golf facilities launching or continuing large-scale capital projects in 2023, demonstrating the industry’s long-term stability and continued investment in infrastructure, course improvements, and sustainability.
There are 74,177 acres of maintained turfgrass; this includes Greens, Tees, Fairways and Rough. New York courses maintain an average of 89 acres of turfgrass per course, which is slightly below the national GCSAA median of 95 acres for 18-hole facilities, demonstrating responsible land use while still prioritizing high-quality playing surfaces.
Water, wetlands, trees, forests, and native rough make up 37% of golf course acreage in New York - totaling 38,105 acres which help preserve biodiversity and support local wildlife.
2,465 acres (2.4% of total golf course acreage) are designated wetlands and dedicated to wildlife habitat.
Greens, tees, and fairways account for 22% of total golf course acreage.
New York golf is geographically inclusive across all 10 regions, with the largest share of golf course acreage in Long Island (22%), strong representation in Mid-Hudson (16%), Western NY (13%), Finger Lakes (12%), and Central NY (12%). Additional regional coverage in the Southern Tier (9%), Capital Region (6%), North Country (5%), New York City (4%), and Mohawk Valley (3%) reflects the sport’s reach in both urban and rural communities.
More than 1 in 5 acres of New York golf course land is located on Long Island. This provides opportunities for habitat preservation, stormwater capture, and pollinator support in one of the most densely populated and ecologically sensitive regions of the state.
New York golf’s “green infrastructure” includes turfgrass, native rough, waterbodies, trees, and wetlands to help offset the need for, and costs of, public infrastructure required to store and manage stormwater. Golf courses also help remove air pollutants, supporting human health and wellness.
Environmental Leadership, Ecosystem Services, and Sustainability
• There are 38 New York golf courses certified by Audubon International, with four courses holding Signature Sanctuary designation, indicating excellence in water conservation, habitat protection, and sustainable land management.
• Approximately 7% of courses surveyed participate in environmental programs including Audubon International memberships or Signature Sanctuary certifications, Audubon Society, STEM hands-on learning programs, or multi-use facilities that include bird-watching, tree walks, shared walking paths, gardens, and more.
• STEAM education programs, including The First Green, provide experiential learning at New York courses, integrating science, math, art, and environmental studies.
• The New York Best Management Practices (BMPs) Guide provides all New York golf facilities with standardized practices, developed in collaboration with Cornell University, using GCSA state-approved protocols to promote water quality and conservation, habitat protection, and responsible land use, ensuring long-term environmental sustainability. Of those surveyed, 99% of New York superintendents report the BMP Guide is ‘valuable’ and nearly half characterize it as ‘very to extremely valuable’ in their operations.
• Golf maintenance BMPs are utilized during planning, design, construction, and ongoing operations to protect and encourage natural, flourishing wildlife habitats, nesting sites, and wildlife corridors.
• New York City is the most impervious city in the U.S., with Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens all over 70% covered by hard surfaces like concrete and asphalt. These surfaces absorb heat creating an urban heat island (UHI) and worsen flooding. Golf courses cool cities by reflecting sunlight - their grass, trees, and waterbodies lower surface temperatures and provide shade, reduce smog, help address extreme rainfall, break up heat zones, and offer the same cooling benefits as parks.
• New York City ranks in the top five cities nationwide for the most intense UHI, with intensity at 7.6°F hotter than surrounding areas. The region has over 3,800 acres of urban golf course greenspace to help cool the city and provide climate resilience.
Water Use & Conservation
• In 2023, water use for New York golf courses was less than one-half of one percent of the state’s total annual water consumption.
• This equates to a direct economic contribution for the state of New York of approximately $182,134 per AF of water used by New York golf courses.
• There was 30,646 AF of irrigation water used, representing 80% of total water usage.
• Nearly half of all irrigation water is drawn from on‐site wells, more than one third from self-supplied surface water, and the remainder split between municipal supplies, reclaimed water, and other sources.
• Most courses use metered reporting (84%) for accurate measurement, giving superintendents real-time insights into water budgets and conservation measures.
• Over the past five years, 36.4% of New York golf courses have reduced their irrigation footprint, removing 1,807 acres from irrigation — a 3.5% reduction across the state’s 51,000 total irrigated acres.
Water Conservation and Water Quality BMPs
• 98% of courses use three or more water reduction strategies, 89% use five or more, and nearly one third use twelve or more conservation best practices.
• Top five water conservation efforts of those surveyed include use of wetting agents (94%), visual monitoring and hand watering (92%), mulching (83%), soil moisture meters (78%), and routine irrigation system inspections and calibration (74%).
• 77% of courses have implemented three or more water quality BMPs, indicating deep engagement with 21% reporting seven or more, reflecting pursuit of comprehensive water‐quality safeguards.
• Over four-fifths of superintendents (84%) remove grass clippings prior to washing equipment, 72% conduct routine water-quality sampling, and nearly half (47%) maintain buffer zones of longer vegetation at least 25 feet around waterbodies to protect water quality.
Water Conservation BMPs Summary
Use wetting agents on irrigated surfaces, including fairways.or hot spots, use hand watering.
Visually monitor for localized dry conditions or hot spots, use hand watering.
Mulches in shrubs and flower beds to reduce evaporation losses and under tree canopies to cover bare soil.
Regularly use a portable soil moisture meter.
Perform daily, weekly, quarterly, and annual inspections of irrigation sprinklers and system. Calibrate meters in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations at least once per year, prior to season.
Irrigation control system to monitor and conserve water use.
Regularly use ET data to guide irrigation decision-making.
On-site weather station to assess weather information and ET.
Rain shut-off devices and rain gauges to conserve water.
Incorporate drought resistant or native plants in non-play areas.
Course is designed for water harvesting (funneling water into an irrigation pond).
Drip irrigation in landscape areas.
Replaced large playing areas with drought-tolerant turfgrass varieties to minimize water use.
Automatic sensors and/or low-flow devices in the clubhouse and/or maintenance facility.
Installed in-ground soil moisture meters.
Have a documented drought emergency plan.
Water Quality BMPs Summary
Brush or blow off grass clippings from equipment before washing.
Sample water quality.
Maintain a 25 ft chemical free buffer around all surface water bodies and wells.
Collect and compost and/or distribute the clippings that are washed off equipment in areas away from waterbodies.
Maintain a buffer zone of longer vegetation at least 25 ft. around surface waterbodies.
Maintain appropriate silt fencing to prevent erosion and sedimentation.
Implemented structural BMPs (bioswales, berms, buffers, detention areas, etc.) meant to slow water, allow infiltration, and/or trap pollutants in the soil for natural filtration.
Recycle or use grey water for equipment washing.
Maximize use of pervious materials, such as separating brick or concrete pavers by sand and planted with grass, or highpermeability concrete for cart paths or parking lots.
Follow a stormwater pollution prevention plan (SWPPP) which maximizes the use of natural systems to treat water.
Waste Management & Recycling
Waste diversion refers to the share of total waste that is kept out of landfills by redirecting materials into recycling, composting, or other recovery streams.
• New York golf courses achieved a 37% waste diversion rate in 2023, outperforming major benchmarks including Buffalo’s 30% (2019), New York City’s 21%, and even the U.S. municipal average of 32% (EPA, 2018) — demonstrating the golf industry’s leadership in sustainable waste management.
• 63% of courses recycle, and another 28% plan to start within five years meaning over 90% of New York facilities either do or will divert materials from landfill.
• Nearly 80% of courses have adopted four or more waste‐reduction BMPs, over 60% report six or more, and about 20% have implemented nine or more BMPs.
• Repurposing fryer oil and golf balls supports a circular economy demonstrating closed-loop thinking that extends product lifecycles and fosters community goodwill. Additional top waste diversion measures used by New York courses:
Hazardous-Fluid Recycling: used oil, coolant and solvents
Mixed Recycling: Captures the largest mass of materials
On-Site Composting: Organic debris composted into soil amendments
Digital Workflow: Replacing paper footprints
Inventory Rotation: Low-cost, high-impact tactic preventing expired goods
Waste Reduction BMPs Summary
Collect used oil, oil filters, and antifreeze in separate marked containers and recycle them as directed by local and state authorities.
Recycling (plastic, metal, glass, paper, or cardboard).
Compost tree trimmings, leaves, clippings.
Electronic communications to reduce paper use.
Adopt the “first in–first out” principle, using the oldest products first to ensure that the product shelf life does not expire.
Have separate areas designated and labeled for recyclables and waste.
Electronics recycling (i.e. computers).
Repurpose fryer oil from the kitchen.
Educate staff and guests on items which may be recycled using proper signage and communications.
Recycling used golf balls.
Compost food waste.
Pollinator Habitat & Protection
• All ten New York regions from Long Island’s coastal layouts to the Adirondacks’ inland courses report robust pollinator‐BMP implementation.
• Nearly 90% of New York golf courses implement four or more pollinator protection BMPs, with 64% adopting six or more distinct strategies and 20% reporting ten or more in active use - many of which directly support pollinator health.
• Practices include adopting IPM strategies, native habitat restoration, and dedicated pollinator zones, highlighting the industry’s commitment to protecting biodiversity and sustaining essential pollinator populations.
Energy Conservation
• 89% of courses have applied three or more energy conservation BMPs, with 75% utilizing four or more measures.
• Over 50% have adopted six or more distinct BMPs.
• Top three energy conservation efforts of those surveyed include use of indoor and outdoor LED lighting (85%), Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) in pump stations (82%), and lithium battery golf carts (55%).
• New York golf courses are increasingly adopting energy-efficient equipment, with 47% using hybrid mowers and utility vehicles, 25% using electric mowers, and 30% utilizing electric tools like rollers and backpack blowers.
Integrated Pest Management Practices
• Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a system that combines a holistic approach using biological, cultural, mechanical and chemical controls to solve pest problems effectively while minimizing environmental impact.
• Over 95% of courses report four or more IPM practices, 75% utilize six or more.
• New York superintendents have embraced IPM, with each BMP adopted by at least 55% of respondents and many by over 80%:
Chemical Rotation: Preventing pest resistance (97%)
Routine Scouting: Frequent inspections for early detection and action (88%)
Spot Treatments: Applied only where needed, reducing overall use (81%)
Forecast-Based Timing: Pest predictive models (80%)
Mechanical Controls & Records: Non-chemical methods and records (73%)
• New York golf courses actively deploy decision support tools (DSTs) to synthesize data into digestible formats:
Eight of the 15 DSTs surveyed were used at rates higher than 50%, suggesting New York superintendents are leveraging digital resources to inform management decisions.
Pesticide risk indicators - typically used by researchers - are considered by 43% of New York courses, reflecting advanced efforts to assess risk beyond product labels.
Integrated Pest Management BMPs Summary
Rotate chemicals and modes of action to reduce resistance in pests.
Train personnel to scout regularly (daily, weekly, or monthly, depending on the pest).
Employ spot treatment on large playing areas to treat only where pests have been previously documented.
Regularly consult pest forecasting models to refine application timing for significant pests.
Use mechanical (non-chemical) weed control methods.
Observe and always maintain proper documentation, including photos and historical records regarding which pests are present and key activities on key plants.
Record and map disease outbreaks and identify trends to help guide future treatments and focus on changing conditions in susceptible areas to reduce disease outbreaks.
Evaluate efficacy of pest management programs using check plots and data collection.
Spill control checklist is easily accessible and visible to employees in the mix station area.
Maintain a written IPM plan.
Nutrient Management Practices
• Over the past five years, New York golf course superintendents have made measurable strides in optimizing nutrient use, turf health, and environmental stewardship. Fertilizer is applied to just 56% of total course acreage (57,512 acres) covering 77% of the actively maintained 74,475-acre footprint, highlighting a deliberate, performancefocused approach to turf management and environmental care.
• Nearly one-third (27%) reported they intentionally cut back on total fertilized area. These reductions amount to an average 13% decrease in fertilized acreage, equating to roughly 2,868 acres.
• Almost half of respondents (47%) cut nutrient use by 8.9%, showing they fine tuned application rates and timing to meet plant needs without excess.
• 95% of respondents have adopted four or more BMPs; 75% have implemented seven or more; and 8% report using all twelve BMPs surveyed. This distribution demonstrates that courses are comprehensively integrating nutrient-management protocols.
• Top nutrient management BMPs include written fertilizer logs (90.2%), equipment calibration and maintenance (89.5%), and soil sampling with documentation (87.4%) - promoting precision, accountability, and environmental stewardship.
• Out of 11 comparable BMP questions, New York golf courses adopted five practices at rates at least 10% higher than the national average.
• Notably, 47% reported using Minimum Levels of Sustainable Nutrition (MLSN) guidelines - up from ~10% nationally, potentially reflecting stronger engagement with turf research and education.
Integrated Pest Management BMPs Summary
Calibration and preventative maintenance on application equipment according to manufacturer’s recommendations.
Keep written records of all fertilizer applications.
Maintain records of soil sampling results.
Conduct soil sampling to provide pH, organic matter content, salinity, and baseline nutrient levels available for plant use.
Observe and account for growth on fairways/rough to determine nitrogen application rates.
Avoid “dormant feeding” applications of nutrients.
Make precision treatment applications of fertilizer across large playing areas (spot treatment) to treat only where nutrient is needed.
Measure growth rates on putting surfaces using clipping volume.
Maintain a documented Nutrient Management Plan including site characteristics, site map, nutrient application rates/restrictions, soil testing results/methods, and spill-response plan.
When soil testing, results are interpreted using MLSN guidelines.
Identify and map surface water management areas within 100 feet of any body of water and areas with slopes steeper than 10% located within 1000 feet from the edge of water bodies. Communicate fertilizer spill-response plan regularly with employees.
New
York golf courses are advancing sustainability across water use, waste diversion, energy conservation, pollinator protection, and turf management. Through widespread adoption of BMPs, commitment to habitat preservation, and ongoing continuous improvement efforts the industry is demonstrating how golf can deliver ecological value while enhancing community well-being, resilience, and green infrastructure across the Empire State’s urban and rural landscapes.
