Parker Anderson
Definition of sustainable golf
By Parker Anderson
Tuesday, January 24, 2017
In order to achieve sustainability in the golf industry it is important to create a working definition of sustainable golf around which to frame specific research and recommendations for the industry. As an industry with a wide range of stakeholders and influences, the golf industry requires a holistic definition of sustainability in order to capture the many facets of influence and impact. In this definition the ethics of permaculture are used as guiding parameters for defining sustainable golf.
Looking towards the future of sustainable golf
Historically the golf industry has fought against the incorporation of sustainability goals into their management strategies for fear of short-term costs and risks to quality of play. This resistance is often unfounded because environmental sustainability and economic profitability in the golf industry are not mutually exclusive.
Can golf courses "bee" friendly?
It is critically important, and at the heart of what it means to be a sustain
Introducing GolfLAB
By Parker Anderson
Tuesday, February 14, 2017
What is a GolfLABSM?
The University of Minnesota (UMN), founded in the belief that all people are enriched by understanding, is dedicated to the advancement of learning and the search for truth; to the sharing of this knowledge through education for a diverse community; and to the application of this knowledge to benefit the people. UMN has an incredible resource on its campus, the UMN Les Bolstad Golf Course. The Science of the Green® initiative is focused on developing this resource as a collaborative multidisciplinary laboratory known as GolfLABSM.
Pace of play research creates opportunities in environmental stewardship and sustainability
By Parker Anderson
Thursday, November 30, 2017
Recently, the Science of the Green Initiative at the University of Minnesota, in partnership with the United States Golf Association (USGA), collected data on golf pace of play to examine the impacts of green speed on pace of play at seven golf courses of differing characteristics around the United States. The implications of the data collected, however, are far greater than just measuring the time each player spent on the putting greens; the results have additional value regarding golf facility sustainability and productivity.
University of Minnesota Turfgrass team in the media 2/18/19
Check out our team’s latest efforts in educating the public about our work! We have a podcast and several upcoming presentations at regional conferences.
Parker Anderson was featured on the Frankly Speaking podcast on 02/11/2019. He discussed the Science of the Green Initiative, a research partnership between the USGA and the University of Minnesota, and the sustainability of golf.
Turf Species for Minnesota Home Lawns
Sam Bauer and Parker Anderson of the University of Minnesota have created an infographic that profiles different turfgrass species for use in Minnesota home lawns. This is a great resource to educate homeowners on the characteristics, maintenance, and recommendations of these grasses for specific uses such as under low maintenance or shade conditions.