STERF, USGA and R&A launch research initiative
More science is needed to solve the problems of the future in golf. The three international organizations STERF, R&A and USGA have come to this conclusion and have now formed an International Turfgrass Research Initiative. From 2026 to 2028, a total of 750,000 euros will be made available to fund research projects. “Sustainable agronomy is the primary interest.”
Four main topics
The research projects to be funded will focus on four core topics: Firstly, integrated pest management, which involves controlling lawn diseases and pests with the minimum possible use of pesticides. In addition, water conservation, which should include the optimization of irrigation, the reduction of water use and the promotion of drought-resistant varieties. Biodiversity and landscape conservation is the third essential point for understanding the ecological balance in the construction of golf courses. Finally, the topic of climate should also be taken into account with carbon accounting in order to increase understanding of the impact that the operation of golf courses has on the CO₂ budget.
Deadlines for researchers
The first project outlines from universities and researchers can be submitted by August 2024, with a decision on approval to be made in November 2024. Further applications can be submitted until February 2025. In July 2025, it will be announced at the International Turfgrass Research Conference in Japan which research projects will receive funding. These will then be carried out from 2026 to 2028.
The entire initiative is monitored and controlled by a steering committee, which includes representatives from Sterf, USGA and R&A. Among other things, it monitors the correct allocation of funds. The steering committee sets up an advisory board made up of scientists and business representatives to assess the projects submitted.
The project partners
STERF, R&A and USGA are the world’s most important organizations currently involved in the research and development of golf and greenkeeping. STERF stands for Scandinavian Turfgrass and Environment Foundation and is an organization for transnational turfgrass research that was founded in 2006 by the golf associations of Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Iceland as well as the Nordic greenkeeper associations. The term R&A is the abbreviation for the Royal and Ancient Golf Clubs of St. Andrews, which now runs various companies and plays a key role in promoting sustainable golf worldwide. The United States Golf Association represents the largest golf market in the world with the USA and Mexico and maintains its own “Green Section”, which deals exclusively with greenkeeping issues.
