Vinland Natural Nine

Although it won't be hosting a PGA event anytime soon, I'd like to play it!

Organic Golf - The Cliffs

"Organic Golf"

Are you envisioning fields of Dandelions?
Bare soil greens?
Clouds of Locusts?

Well don't, instead I want you to imagine one of the largest Golf Communities in North/South Carolina and an on-site
laboratory affiliated with Clemson University to provide industry-leading turfgrass research in the area of ORGANIC golf course management.

Wow! I'm sure the hippies on Saltspring Island are impressed, as am I.

Check it out here.

Here's the buzz:

“We are excited about teaming up with Clemson University on a project that we expect will blaze trails in research and positively impact not only our communities but the business of golf course development and management. The Cliffs decided to undertake this project because it’s the right thing to do. ‘Going green’ is beneficial for all of us –as individuals and families, for our businesses, and ultimately, for our economy as a whole. It’s a better way of living, and that’s what we seek to provide here at The Cliffs: the best place to work, live, and play in America.”
Jim Anthony, President and Founder of The Cliffs Communities.

“In five years, I’d like this Center’s findings to prove that, with a team of highly-trained professionals, a golf course can be managed in a way that actually serves to enhance the environment. It’s our hope to share the knowledge that we uncover along the way to those who are interested in using these new techniques to improve their property management practices, whether they be golf courses, athletic fields, green spaces, or private lawns.”
Daniel Brazinski, Vice President of Golf Maintenance at The Cliffs Communities.

So Cool - Bonterra and Audubon International

I'm a big fan of Bonterra Wines, its one of the Merlot's I bring to parties. I had no idea they were as passionate about golf as I am, until I saw this:

"Bonterra Wines, the world's best selling wine made with organic grapes**, knows what it takes to find a balance between preserving nature and producing an award-winning product. As the Official Wine of The PGA of America, Bonterra is committed to helping golf courses find their balance between the environment and the game of golf.

That's why Bonterra is working with Audubon International to "Green the Greens" at courses across the U.S. From September 17, 2008 until the end of the PGA Tour season (11/10/08), a limited number of golf courses can join the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses (ACSP) on Bonterra's dime. The ACSP is an award winning education and certification program that helps golf courses protect the environment and preserve the natural heritage of the game of golf. "

How cool is that?
Although it's not available to International courses it is available to those in the US, all you have to do is submit your registration to Bonterra, and they will cover the $200 ACSP registration fee for the first 100 U.S. based courses who sign up from September 17 - November 10, 2008.

Golf courses can register here

Awesome, way to go Bonterra and Audubon International

Organic Golf Course - Kabi

Check out a great article about Kabi here.

Some Highlights on Kabi's Organic Golf Course Maintenance

The Kabi golf course and orchard are BFA {Biological Farmers Association} certified. Kabi is the only golf course in Australia that is currently certified by the BFA. Research has shown us that Kabi is potentially the only golf course in the southern hemisphere if not the world that is certified organic by a government body.

KEEPING THE GREENS: The main grasses used are warm-season Couch and cool-season Poa, which have been chosen for their lower water requirement. Inputs include good quality composts as well as beneficial microbiology in combination with minerals.

WEED CONTROL: Seasonal weeds are controlled mainly by hand weeding and some biodynamic practices.

PEST AND DISEASE CONTROL: Mole crickets, black beetles and ants are controlled with biodynamic practices and various botanical oils.The main disease encountered is dollar spot, which is controlled with beneficial biology.

Fiddlers Green Golf Course, Antigonish, Nova Scotia, Canada

This 9-hole, par 30, 1358 yd. , Executive golf course with driving range claims the title of "Canada's First Organic Golf Course".From the site:
Matt Ryan, Monterey, California

Describes the course as "spectacular" and " The natural beauty of the course is something that shouldn't be disturbed; it's breathtaking". Matt says after playing world-renowned courses at Pebble Beach, Spyglass and others in Scotland and New Zealand, Fiddler's Green is among his favourites.

Columnist Liz Leighton
" an environmental philosophy which presents this course as an exemplar of modern thinking abut golf courses" and " I drove down the winding road to encounter the magic of Fiddler's Green."