Second IGOLF Singapore Golf and Environment Forum

This event, hosted by the Keppel Club, an IGOLF Laureate Course, was the second annual IGOLF Singapore Golf and Environment Forum – the first was held in 2008, was hosted by NSRCC. See previous 2008 report.

The day-long Forum included presentations from leading experts on various elements of golf and environment. See program.

The event was co-hosted by PUB-Public Utilities Board of Singapore.

IGOLF acknowledges the generous sponsorship of :

• TEHC - Toh Eng Hock Construction Pte Ltd a member of the IGOLF Corporate Advisory Council.
• Agri-Supplies Pte Ltd. Contact
• Wendell Trading Company. Website
• Royal Catering Services Pte Ltd. Website

Welcome, positioning of golf in Singapore

Mr. Lai Mun Oon, vice president of Keppel Club, noted that some critics of golf courses argue that golf courses are "man-made areas which encroach on nature."

Mr. Lai pointed out that in a well constructed and well thought out golf course both people and nature can co-exist, even flourish.  He noted the club’s "Go Green" operating philosophy and how the club takes care about the environment in all aspects of its operation (for more details on Keppel Club’s "Go Green" activities click here).  He also pointed out that the IGOLF Forum was taking place during Keppel Club’s "Earth Week" event, which highlights the club’s commitment to environmental responsibility. More info on Earth Week.

Challenges faced by golf courses

In his presentation "Passion for golf, passion for nature", IGOLF Chairman Paul Spencer Sochaczewski pointed out the numerous challenges that golf courses in Singapore face, including the perception that golf is elitist, and thereby bad. He also noted the fact that golf courses in Singapore are often built on valuable land which developers would like to take for other purposes; this means that golf courses have to do a better job of calculating and publicizing the numerous ecosystem benefits they provide.

Better turfgrass with fewer chemicals

Dr Micah Woods, director of Asian Turfgrass Center in Thailand,  provided five easy steps to identify turfgrass problems and solve them using a minimum of chemicals.
Printed handout | Micah's presentation

His five points:
1.  Choose the grass that will require fewer pesticide inputs. At Singapore this will tend to be a zoysia grass.
2.  Create a healthy growing environment, especially focusing on establishing and maintaining adequate air space in the soil.
3.  Applying the optimum amount of fertilizer so that grass will be healthy and have a good color.
4.  Mowing at the proper mowing height, with sharp blades, at the proper mowing frequency, and with a well-thought out mowing pattern.
5.  When pesticides are used, apply the product according to label instructions, being sure to use the appropriate water volume and spray droplet size, and choose reduced risk products when possible.

Environmental awareness aimed at club members

Keppel Club Deputy General Manager Desmond Chua and other senior staff of Keppel Club led groups to see how Keppel Club promotes conservation and environmental awareness among its members. The group visited the Berlayer Creek mangrove conservation area and the Kepppel Club Earth Week exhibits.

New IGOLF Laureate Course

Orchid Country Club was presented with the IGOLF Laureate Course certificate in recognition of their commitment to environmental and social responsibility. Mr. Jinder Aujla, golf manager of Orchid Country Club, received the award from Mr. Werner Kellerhals, IGOLF treasurer.

Orchid Country Club was commended for preserving the water quality and wildlife near the adjacent Sungei Seleter Reservoir, using integrated pest management to reduce the need for turf grass chemicals, successful efforts to reduce energy consumption, and commitment to the community. See separate news story with more details.

Increasing biodiversity on the golf course

Shawn Lum, president of Nature Society (Singapore) spoke about  how a golf course functions as a nature reserve
(see his presentation).
Mr. Lum pointed out that Singapore has as much or more greenery today as at any time in the past one hundred years.
He explained the latest thinking in protected area planning that indicates  several points of relevance to golf club developers and superintendents:  large natural areas protect more biodiversity than small areas, and that the edges of natural areas are more vulnerable to species loss than the interior of natural areas.  He suggested that golf course managers and members may need a different aesthetic, one which recognizes that we cannot manage nature too closely, and that the concept “landscaping” should be replaced with the concept of “habitat restoration”.  Golf courses need to select the appropriate plants which provide shelter, food and nesting opportunities. He encouraged annual biodiversity surveys to chart the progress of conservation efforts.

Saving money with sustainable technologies and actions

Per Dahlen, managing director,
AUM Business Creations Pte. Ltd.

Renewable energy expert Per Dahlen talked about energy use
on golf courses and how energy use can be reduced (and substantial costs can be saved) by implementing some new technologies. In his presentation Mr. Dahlen pointed out that over 50% of a golf club’s electricity use is for air-conditioning, and 15%-20% is used for lighting; these amounts can be easily reduced through various conservation measures and technological changes. He pointed out new technologies available to golf courses in energy efficiency, water usage, renewable energy, water usage and treatment, and use of chemicals. He urged clubs to make an energy audit, consider conversion of organic waste to biogas, use solar to heat water, solar panels for lighting, and even produce electricity.  He noted that the Singapore government gives numerous grants to companies which take steps to significantly reduce energy consumption and apply new technologies.

Maintaining water quality

Dr. Michelle Sim, manager of PUB Singapore gave a talk on water quality in water bodies on golf courses in the catchment areas of Singapore's water reservoirs. (Michelle's presentation.) Nine of Singapore’s golf courses border reservoirs. The types of fertilizers and pesticides allowed to be applied in catchment areas are closely monitored by PUB. Water samples taken from ponds on golf courses in these catchment areas showed relatively high phosphorous levels.There are no published guidelines specifically for golf courses on water quality, but PUB uses the internal guidelines for water quality monitoring and management around reservoirs.  Dr. Sim note relatively high phosphorous levels in water samples taken from some golf courses, and the risk that high nutrient levels in the water could result in eutrophication in the ponds and reservoirs.  She encouraged course superintendents to carry out wetland planting around the edges of ponds and implement ABC water features such as rain gardens, bioswales wherever possible;  remove all cut grass and prevent it from entering the ponds and reservoirs, remove surface scum and algae, install aerators in the ponds, and control turfgrass weeds manually instead of using chemicals.  She stressed that PUB is available for consultations and advice. (See "Procedure for product evaluation by Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority".)