Nutrient management is a cornerstone of sustainable golf course operations, balancing plant health and care for the environment. Over the past five years, New York golf course superintendents have made measurable strides in optimizing nutrient use, balancing turf health with environmental stewardship. Today, 56% of total golf course acreage (57,512 acres) receives fertilizer equivalent to 77% of the actively maintained 74,475-acre footprint demonstrating that fertilization remains a targeted practice focused on playability and turf quality.

From the Finger Lakes to the shores of Long Island, golf courses across New York state are intimately familiar with the importance of protecting water quality. Research has shown that strategic use of fertilizer on golf courses through BMPs can maintain water quality while providing the necessary turfgrass quality to support desirable playing conditions for golfers. Every New York region shows strong BMP implementation in top-tier practices (soil sampling, calibration, record-keeping), with each region contributing roughly 10 to 15 adopters, demonstrating true “barn-door” coverage.

Reducing Fertilized Acreage and Use

Nearly one-third (27%) New York golf facilities reported they intentionally reduced total fertilized area, amounting to an average 13% decrease in fertilized acreage, equating to roughly 2,868 acres.

Nutrient Management BMPs at New York Golf Courses

Understanding Application Rates

Measuring fertilizer per 1,000 ft² is central to responsible turf management. New York courses calculate application rates by dividing total pounds of nitrogen (N), phosphate (P₂O₅), and potash (K₂O) by the full acreage under active maintenance. Guided by soil tests, product innovations, and BMPs, this method supports strong turf performance while protecting water quality and maximizing efficiency.

There has been increased study and application using turfgrass growth rates to guide fertilization, resulting in more efficient fertilizer use and improved playing conditions. In this survey, 81% of New York golf courses are accounting for growth when fertilizing fairway/rough areas, and 58% are collecting clipping volume data from their putting greens that offers a precise datapoint to inform fertilizer decision-making. Adoption of growth rate related BMPs, a newer concept in the industry, by New York superintendents indicate they may be more closely following the latest research as early adopters.

Of the 13 nutrient management BMP questions asked, 8 had adoption above 50%.
86% of superintendents surveyed implemented at least 6 (half) of key nutrient management BMPs.
Record-keeping of fertilizer applications and soil tests are done at a high rate >87%.

New York State Park Golf Courses and Cornell University: Partnering for Environmental Stewardship & Sustainable Turf Care

Over the past 25 years, New York State Park Golf Courses and Cornell University have forged a partnership that reshaped golf course management nationwide. What began as an effort to address pesticide concerns on the Bethpage Green Course evolved into a model of sustainable, science-based turf care that balances golfer expectations with environmental stewardship.

The program’s success stemmed from New York State allowing research directly on its courses—an uncommon chance to test practices under real-world conditions over decades. Early studies at Bethpage showed that progressive cultural practices, pest scouting, and precise interventions could maintain playing quality while reducing pesticide use. The program also introduced Environmental Impact Quotient (EIQ) metrics, guiding superintendents nationwide in selecting products for both performance and safety.

Today, the partnership is fully data-driven, with superintendents tracking pesticide risk, nutrients, and water use to optimize resources and limit environmental impact. Validated globally at Bethpage Black, the program now stands as a national model, proving championship golf and environmental responsibility can thrive together.

Lowering Fertilizer Volumes

Over the past five years, New York golf course superintendents have made measurable strides in optimizing nutrient use, turf health, and environmental stewardship. Fertilizer is applied to just 56% of total course acreage (57,512 acres) covering 77% of the actively maintained 74,475-acre footprint, highlighting a deliberate, performance-focused approach to turf management and environmental care.
Fertilizer use across fairway and rough areas accounts for most of the fertilizer applied on golf courses. 71% of facilities surveyed indicate they apply fertilizer on a spot treatment basis in these areas, a crucial BMP to reduce overall fertilizer use.
Only 39% of golf courses apply phosphorus to fairways and just 22% to roughs. This marks a significant improvement since 2021, when a GCSAA survey of Northeastern courses found that 50% applied phosphorus to fairways and 31% to roughs.
Almost half of respondents (47%) cut nutrient use by an 8.9% reduction in total pounds, showing they fine‑tuned application rates and timing to meet plant needs without excess.
Out of 11 BMP questions that were similar between the most recent national GCSAA and New York State surveys, 5 BMPs were adopted by New York golf courses at rates at least 10% higher than courses at a national level.
Of particular interest is the adoption of modern soil test interpretation methods – Minimum Levels of Sustainable Nutrition guidelines (MLSN) – that have changed how turfgrass managers think about nutrient management. In previous national surveys, adoption of these new guidelines was very low (~10%), New York findings shows 47% adoption. While the GCSAA survey question did not ask specifically about MLSN, it would be assumed that “new fertilizer guidelines” would refer to MLSN.

Comparison of Best Management Practice Adoption Rates: GCSAA and Empire State Golf Alliance

New York golf courses demonstrate responsible nutrient management, with nitrogen and potassium use aligned to national GCSAA benchmarks and phosphorus applied responsibly under state rules. Courses focus nutrients on key play areas while limiting use elsewhere, demonstrating efficiency and environmental stewardship.

New York golf courses pair a steadfast commitment to turf quality and cost control with proactive watershed protection, using continuous monitoring and technology to fine-tune applications. Nearly half of total acreage is unfertilized, while widespread adoption of record-keeping, calibration, soil testing, and precision spot treatments builds a strong nutrient-management foundation. These data-driven strategies support environmental stewardship and sustainability for New York golf courses.

What is Assessed

Golf facility IPM BMP data comes from the 2024 New York golf facility survey conducted by Radius Sports Group.

How it is Measured

Analysis was completed in collaboration with Cornell University and benchmarked against national and state golf industry studies.

Nutrient Management