Environmental Policy

Woodside golf course is committed to the providing the best playing conditions possible while minimizing negative inputs into the environment. While also striving to achieve a positive influence on the natural landscape, the wild life, and the social perception of golf course maintenance.

Possible concerns that may arise as a result of instituting an environmental policy may be that playing conditions will decrease. This is a popular concern among golfers, in reality with less time and man power being utilized to maintain out of play rough it can now be used to further manicure and improve areas such as greens, fairways, and tees. From an economical point of view, more naturalized areas may mean more golfers are losing balls which results in slower play and less total rounds per year.  The only areas that will be naturalized are areas that are out of play as well as pond edges to act as a buffer zone but may also “save” a few stray balls from rolling into the hazard. These naturalized areas and buffer zones will attract wildlife making the golf course a more natural location, which will in turn attract more golfers to the course.

Pesticide and water regulations are becoming an ever-present issue in the golf industry today. Member’s expectations may be a green, disease free golf course around the entire property. While in the future water restrictions may severely inhibit achieving that expectation. Pesticides are viewed as being overly toxic materials and so education and persistent record keeping are a must in order to prove the responsible use of products and to gain the trust of neighboring communities and organizations. Part of the Penrith golf clubs environmental policy is “To comply with relevant legislation, regulation and other requirements relating to our environmental impact and to improve employees' understanding and commitment to environment practices through structured communications and training in a safe working environment.” Employee involvement and understanding of what we are trying to achieve through environmental stewardship is essential in having a successful program so we will be strongly incorporating this part of Penriths policy into our own.

Environmental issues and our solution

Pesticide use – Monitoring for conditions that promote diseases and then spraying only after those conditions are present.

Water use – Each section of the golf course is different in some way and so are the water requirements in each area so our irrigation system will be tailored to water areas as needed. Rather than the same amount of time throughout the entire course thus saving water.

Pesticide rinsate/cleaning/disposal – Pesticide containers will be rinsed thoroughly before being recycled. Leaving no wasted product.

Used oil disposal – Used oil will be sent to a proper disposal site

Fertilizer application – No Fertilizer will be wasted in areas where run off is an issue. The use of buffer zones around waterways will take up the fertilizer before it can enter the water.  Soil testing will be done and only what is necessary for healthy turf.

Creek side mowing philosophy- Establishment of buffer zones will minimize surface runoff and provide corridors for wildlife.

Surface water runoff- Highly accurate and computer run irrigation systems will be employed to ensure water conservation and eliminate wasting water through surface run off.