Over the past 30 years our state’s population has grown by over one-third. Economically, such growth is traditionally viewed as an advantage; however this expansion comes with a toll. The need for additional natural resources such as water and power, waste processing and disposal, and recreational amenities has challenged the general lifestyle of many Coloradoans. In addition, our climatic history is being re-written as global warming sets the stage for a warmer and drier environment, resulting in a higher demand for water and its filtration. With the Department of Interior’s losing arguments regarding historic ownership of the Colorado River (Colorado vs. Nevada and California), we may not have any new sources of this precious commodity other than expansion of storage facilities statewide.
Even the game of golf is at risk. With mounting concern over water management and related costs, golf courses and their municipalities are dealt a blow just like consumers. Sustaining such huge terrains is increasingly becoming jeopardized, as is the golf community’s profitability. Some golf courses are going to synthetic turf in an attempt to reduce costs and increase the quality of the overall golf experience. But there’s got to be another way.
Golf course managers are now thinking in terms of alternatives and the need to conform to changes or risk going out of business. Many know that relying on increased green fees or a municipal stimulus is a dead-end to the affordability of the game. Imagine playing a local public golf course at a private course fee. They’re considering ways of making adjustments to the costs of maintaining the courses and costs associated with the game itself so as to not exceed the average golfer’s ability to play. My creed of the last twenty years has been, “Junior Golf…the Future of the Game!” This relies not only on the fact that there is one, but that our kids, grandkids, and future generations are able to participate, excel, and enjoy the game as much as we do. If the course isn’t there, or fees become exorbitant in response to costs related to maintenance, well…the history of golf will be threatened.
We all know that ‘going green” is a pioneering market, and certainly golf courses can revel in its benefits. Consider this: golf course spawned renewable energy! Imagine your favorite golf course with its outlying grounds operating wind and solar energy captivity. It will become a major renewable energy solution and income source for the entire industry, while continuing to allow the game to prosper. Perhaps some of the drop and out-of-bounds areas may change, but let’s face it, golf courses globally are in a position to create new revenue streams allowing them to off-set the upwardly spiraling costs of course management. As a result of Governor Ritter’s efforts, Colorado has become the epicenter of renewable energy and sustainability. The technology available is now transforming millions of businesses and households statewide and beyond. Possibilities exist. Let’s learn about and support them in an effort to help save our game.
Our economic state affects each and every homeowner as well. Our lawns have become an expensive dry sponge and our gardens are begging for reorganization and redistribution of its fair share of water. Each year, more homeowners are converting some aspect of their yards to synthetics and xeriscaping as their contribution back to the environment and their pocket book. Therefore, in this issue I met with various landscape design and build companies that are engaged in these issues and green approaches to improved living for both ourselves and our environment. I hope that you will take advantage of their expertise in assisting you with implementing “green” changes to your own businesses and homes landscapes, while also reducing your bottom line. As for golf course energy production, I know that this idea is somewhat progressive, but I hope that it spawns consideration and where appropriate can be utilized. GSJ
