Developing Natural Areas On Our Golf Course
Many people expound the merits of golf courses in the overall scheme of environmental quality. Some of the environmental benefits provided by golf courses include wildlife habitat, noise reduction and preservation of green space, to mention just a few...
Opportunities to “naturalise” areas exist within many golf courses, and these will significantly enhance the landscape and positively impact on the environment.
Roscommon Golf Club is very aware of its responsibilities in enhancing the environment and adding positively to the landscape. In so doing, we also have an opportunity to create habitat for our wildlife, create a better-defined and aesthetically pleasing golf course and impact positively on the environment.
One of the ways that we can assist in this endeavour is to create naturalised areas on the golf course to promote grasslands and wildflower areas. The value of natural areas on the golf course is acknowledged. The use of native grasses to establish attractive, environmentally beneficial, low-maintenance areas is one of the most commonly desired types of natural areas. Areas of native grasses can result in financial savings, reduced fuel use and labour, reduced machinery maintenance bills and improved aesthetics. But more importantly we can create habitats for flora and fauna in offering the appropriate environment for them to flourish. Images of these areas conjure visions of some of the world's greatest courses - the Old Course at St. Andrews, Royal County Down etc...
Wildlife habitat will be significantly enhanced with the establishment of naturalised areas. Birds and mammals will utilize these areas for nesting, foraging, and cover.
The implementation of plans for natural areas on the golf course can be a rewarding experience for humans and nature. Roscommon Golf Course has something to offer in positively impacting on our environment and collectively we can play a tremendous role in landscape conservation.
Roscommon Golf Club is here to stay... the game of golf is here to stay... and the challenge is to lay the groundwork for sustainable golf course management.
You will notice that we are making an effort to create naturalised areas on the golf course. This program is designed to enhance the place where we play this great game. The natural areas will make our golf course a better place for Mother Nature and the golfers.
Golf has long shared a close connection with our environment, and Roscommon Golf Course has an increasingly important role in conservation. After all, it isn't called 'the greatest game for nothing.
Ken Kearney
Course Chairman
11th May 2010.