Hole 3 at Campus Commons Golf Course is located along the American River, a major fishery. Photos by Kurtis Wolford
Best Management Practices (BMPs) have become one of the most important tools the golf course industry uses to care for the land responsibly. While the term may sound technical, the idea is simple: use proven science and practical experience to protect the environment while keeping golf courses healthy and playable.
BMPs are voluntary, research-based guidelines that help golf course managers make smart decisions about water use, fertilizers, pest control, stormwater, wildlife habitat and pollinator protection. Rather than guessing or relying on outdated habits, superintendents use BMPs to apply the right amount of resources, in the right place, at the right time.
At the national level, GCSAA leads these efforts through its BMP Planning Guide and Template. This tool allows golf facilities to create customized plans that reflect local climates, soils, water supplies and regulations. The result is a practical, site-specific playbook for environmental stewardship.
A small investment with big returns
For individual golf courses, BMP manuals serve two key purposes. First, they guide daily operations, helping staff align routine maintenance with long-term sustainability goals. Second, they document responsible practices in a way that can be shared with regulators, community leaders and the public.
On the ground, BMPs show up in everyday actions: efficient irrigation scheduling, use of drought-tolerant grasses, integrated pest management; and thoughtful plant selection that supports wildlife and pollinators. These practices protect nearby water bodies, reduce chemical use and often save money by cutting waste and lowering risk.
When BMPs made the difference
I saw the value of BMPs firsthand while redeveloping a golf course next to the American River in Sacramento, Calif. The course sits in an environmentally sensitive area that includes a major fishery and the 5,000-acre American River Parkway. State regulations strictly prohibit fertilizer from entering the river basin, making environmental protection a top priority.
As we applied for our pest control business license and pesticide application permit, regulators became understandably cautious due to the site’s sensitivity. Approval was uncertain, and delays could have halted operations entirely.
Campus Commons GC is located only 6 miles from the California Capitol building and along the American River.
Fortunately, I had already invested time in developing a detailed, site-specific BMP plan for the course. I even kept the plan printed in a binder for moments just like this. When concerns were raised, I shared the BMP manual with the regulator, walking through our planned practices and the safeguards we had put in place to protect both human health and the river ecosystem.
The response was immediate and positive. The official was impressed — not just by the practices themselves, but by the fact that they were thoughtfully designed and ready before any conflict arose. The permit was approved, and it was approved quickly.
That preparation saved time, prevented costly disruptions and avoided what could have been significant operational losses. It was a powerful reminder that planning ahead with credible, meaningful BMPs pays off when unexpected challenges arise.
Why BMPs matter more than ever
Today, regulators increasingly recognize BMPs as a trusted, voluntary framework that supports compliance with environmental laws. More and more GCSAA members are able to reference their BMPs to reduce the need for rigid regulations or local ordinances related to water use, nutrients, stormwater and land management.
In modern golf course management, BMPs have become the industry standard. They demonstrate environmental responsibility, protect business operations and build trust with regulators and surrounding communities.
Simply put, BMPs aren’t just good for the environment — they’re good planning, good policy and good business.
Kurtis Wolford is a GCSAA Class A superintendent at Campus Commons Golf Course in Sacramento, Calif., and Ancil Hoffman Golf Course in Carmichael, Calif., and a 23-year GCSAA member.