Myerscough sportsturf research to feature at international conference

The event, taking place in Copenhagen, Denmark, in July, seeks to help support the diverse challenges affecting the future of the turfgrass sector, including: climate change; restrictions on chemicals and fertilizers; and pressure on natural resources such as water, energy and land.

The conference brings together experts from across the world to exchange knowledge and experiences with researchers, greenkeepers, superintendents, planning authorities, technical experts, consultants, and various other top industry delegates.

University Centre Myerscough will present the results of research into golf course sustainability, a collaborative project with the R&A, as part of their Golf Course 2030 initiative.

The project offers a roadmap of practical guidelines to support the golf industry in maintaining and improving various aspects of the golf course, such as tees, fairways, green approaches and bunkers, in light of sector changes.

Results show how golf clubs can address the challenges posed by climate change, resource constraints and regulation, provides steps to improve course condition and playability, and offers numerous case studies of best practice.

Dr John Fry, Project Lead, said: ‘’Much of the current research focuses on the greens themselves, and there is little known about other areas of the course.

‘’This is particularly important given the amount of land dedicated to such areas, and currently it appears golf greens are overly prioritised.’’

This research fills that gap, by drawing together an agreed standard of provision and associated measurement methods to areas of the golf course beyond the green. The results have been subjected to a number of tests in the golf environment, to ensure the validity of protocols to a cross section of clubs and managers.

John continues: ‘’The results provide empirical research and guidance to the R&A, one of sport’s most influential organisations that supports over 30 million golfers in 143 countries worldwide.

‘’This is testament to the research profile Myerscough as developed in regards to sports and sportsturf research.’’

Dr Stewart Brown, Senior Lecturer in Sportsturf Agronomy at Myerscough said: “We are proud to present the results of this project at what is the pinnacle of international conferences in the sportsturf arena.

‘’We will share our results on guidelines and standards which will assist golf course managers in the future management of their golf courses, thus helping to safeguard the future of our sport”.

The research will also be published in a special issue of the International Turfgrass Society Research Journal.

For more information contact Dr John Fry on jfry@myerscough.ac.uk