GCSAA enhances golf course BMP tool

The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America has updated the process to enable golf course superintendents to efficiently create a facility best management practices (BMP) manual.

The enhanced GCSAA BMP tool is simpler to use, is mobile-friendly, has fewer steps to completion and is designed to be more useful for facilities. The tool's significant upgrades allow superintendents to better tell their story, manage their risk and get personalized support from GCSAA experts. Additional improvements to the tool will roll out in 2026.

The creation of facility BMPs is part of the GCSAA’s BMP Initiative, which began in 2017. By the end of 2020, state BMP guidelines had been established in all 50 states. These state guidelines provide the blueprint for facility manuals and cover key areas such as water management, integrated pest management and pollinator protection.

As lawmakers and regulators debate the policy that will impact the future of the golf industry, BMPs open doors for discussions and thoughtful input by the industry. These BMPs also provide proof of the science-based practices and responsible course management that benefit everyone in the community that a golf course serves.

“BMPs are crucial in demonstrating to policymakers and regulators that golf is serious about sustainability and managing resources wisely,” GCSAA CEO Rhett Evans said. “The updates to the BMP tool make it easier than ever for superintendents to document their environmental stewardship while providing consistent and universal documentation which can be shared with lawmakers and the public.”

To highlight the new features and ease of using the BMP tool, the GCSAA will host the “Complete Your BMP with GCSAA's Enhanced Online Platform” webinar at 3 p.m. EST on Thursday, Dec. 11. It is free for GCSAA members and will also be available on demand.