b'Sustainability and Precision in Turf Management As the future of golf continues to evolve, the seed indus-Golf is often seen as a luxury sport, one that consumes vasttry will need to stay at the forefront of these innovations. Golf quantities of water and fertilizer. For Quail Hollow, however,courses will rely heavily on new seed varieties that are not only sustainability is becoming an increasing focus. Woods approachvisually appealing but also resilient under changing conditions. to fertilization demonstrates this commitment to environmentalWere going to rely on the seed industry to develop these seeds stewardship, employing advanced technology to optimize thethat are resistant to different diseases, drought-tolerant, and cer-courses inputs. tified to conserve water, Wood says. Thats how we keep this We do GPS fertilizing. We\'ll go out and soil sample, GPS plotsport sustainable in the long run.our soil samples, and then we\'ll get the data back and write pre-scriptions based on what each specific area of the course needs, he says. This isnt about bulk application anymore. Were putting out exactly what the soil needs to create a healthy plant. It helps reduce excess fertilizer use and mitigates the potential environ-mental impact.The precision doesnt stop at fertilization. Quail Hollow also treats its water to address the unique challenges posed by the local environment. Wood explains, Here in the Carolinas, our well water comes from limestone deposits, so we have a lot of bicarbonate. We inject urea sulfuric acid to neutralize it, releasing carbon dioxide and calcium, which helps maintain our clay soils.What Golf Needs from the Seed IndustryAs golf courses face increasing environmental and regulatory pressures, the seed industry is becoming more essential to the sports future. Wood emphasizes that the challenges facing modern golf course management require innovative solutions from seed breeders. He believes the industry\'s role in creating resilient, sustainable turf varieties is more crucial than ever.Absolutely, I think the best way to get out of problems is through breeding, Wood explains. You look at gray leaf spotit used to be devastating, but now some of the new varieties are completely resistant to it. Thats a game changer for us, espe- Quail Hollow Club, founded in 1959, hosted the PGA Championship cially as we work through upcoming changes from the EPA andin 2017 and will host it again 2025. other environmental regulations.The push for more environmentally friendly turfgrass varieties extends beyond disease resistance. Drought tolerance and waterPreparing for the Majorsconservation are becoming critical factors in course manage- A PGA Championship requires years of preparation. "We knew ment. With regions around the world experiencing changingfour or five years ago that wed be hosting in 2025," Wood says. climates, courses need grasses that can thrive with less water"We work with Kerry Haigh, the Chief Championship Officer for and fewer chemical inputs. Wood points out that the turfgrassthe PGA of America, to plan every detailfrom fairway widths research community is already making strides in this area. to the height of the rough.There are organizations like the Turfgrass WaterIts a complex puzzle balancing aesthetics and playability. Conservation Alliance (TWCA) that are funding turfgrass breed- When you\'re preparing for a major championship, you always ing programs to reduce water needs and improve resistance to100% let playability trump aesthetics. However, you better look disease, he says. Theyre also working to enhance playabilitygood while doing that as well, Wood says with a smile. His team and maintain green color with fewer inputs. For us, that meansfaces the dual challenge of creating a course that can withstand we can create great playing surfaces while being more sustain- the heavy traffic of a tournament and still deliver a visually stun-able and reducing the environmental impact. ning experience for the viewers at home and those attending.OCTOBER 2024SEEDWORLD.COM /11'