England Golf publishes Water Security Toolkit

England Golf is now going on the offensive when it comes to water management following the extremely hot and dry summer of 2025. With an excellent Golf Club Water Security Toolkit, the association not only wants to give golf courses an initial overview of the complex issue of water management, but also help them to develop a long-term water supply strategy. “Since the start of 2026, more than half of the clubs contacting our sustainability inbox have sought support specifically on water security,” says Ross Shepherd, Sustainability Officer at England Golf, explaining the need.

In England, water has long seemed to be an inexhaustible resource, so the first step is to gain the necessary understanding of the approach of water suppliers, who in the UK plan decades ahead, while golf courses often work with a comparatively short-term time horizon. In order for a golf club to obtain the necessary water permits in this environment, data plays an important role according to Shepherd: “Without reliable data, clubs cannot plan effectively, justify investment, or secure permissions for future projects. Establishing a clear baseline is the first step towards long‑term water resilience and if you can’t measure it, you can’t improve it.”

The situation in England is not significantly different to that in many other European golfing nations: The golf courses are prepared to varying degrees for further extreme summers with stricter water restrictions, although according to Shepherd, very few are really well prepared for a repeat of the summer.”

In some ways, the first heatwave of the year is playing into England Golf’s hands in the distribution of the water toolkit: “Recent weather plays a significant role in how messages are received,” says Shepherd. “A key part of our communication is helping golfers understand that drought and flooding are connected.”

The toolkit takes a very systematic approach to familiarising those responsible at golf courses with the topic. After tips for an initial assessment of the individual club’s situation, the water suppliers’ approval procedure is explained. The topic of water is then placed in an economic context, and it is shown how clever and strategic water management can save costs and, at the same time, create added value for the environment. The tips on how to approach the water authorities or on potential cooperation with environmental associations are also helpful.

Initial reactions to the tool kit at England Golf have been positive. “Success, ultimately, is measured by impact”, resumes Shepherd.  “If the toolkit helps clubs save time, reduce costs, avoid regulatory pitfalls, and plan confidently for a future where water may be less readily available, then it has achieved its purpose.”