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Sep 05 The Future of Golf: How Green are Your Greens? contributed by Paul Spencer Sochaczewski Full article on WildAsia and www.sochaczewski.com Extracts Ah, an afternoon of golf, a chance to think about nothing but the eternal mysteries -- the birds, the bees and why you slice your three wood off into the next postal code. It would appear that no major sport is closer to nature than golf. Those innocent days are ending, some pundits predict. Look around and you'll see that golf is embroiled in countless environmental conflicts. Here are examples of golf/environmental interfaces which illustrate that golf course architects and managers in the new century will be forced to deal more coherently with the sport's relationship to nature. Dangerous chemicals - be careful what you lick In general, golf courses use far less chemicals than similar areas of agricultural land. While many people are probably more at risk when they use chemicals in their home gardens than they are of having an acute toxic reaction on the golf course, that stuff they spray to provide you with a beautiful putting surface isn't particularly good for you. Nature destruction Worldwide, pristine nature is destroyed to make way for golf. Construction of a Malaysian golf course, for example, damaged coral reefs and mangrove forests. Taiwan and Thailand have allowed parts of rainforest-rich national parks to become golf courses. Even if rich habitats are not destroyed directly, the impact of sediment resulting from construction, road construction and other damage can severely damage natural habitats. Overuse of water Many critics argue that water-guzzling, emerald green golf courses are an obscene anomaly in water-scarce parts of the world. Elitism and globalization In many parts of the world golf is seen as an affront to social egalitarianism. What does the future hold? Green guidelines will increase, along with industry-wide support; Eco-Ratings Will Become Standardized; Multi-purpose golf courses will flourish; More imaginative conversion of wasteland to golf courses; Innovative habitat management; Water treatment techniques; Read the full article for more details: WildAsia and www.sochaczewski.com links Related articles on Singapore: general environmental issues |
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