Why Golf Courses are Bad

Are golf courses bad for the environment?

Yes! Read more to learn why!

Golf, the beloved pastime of privileged retirees and wannabe country club members everywhere. Where else can you spend hours strolling through meticulously manicured lawns while hitting a tiny ball with a stick, all while pretending that anyone actually cares about your score? It's the perfect sport for those who want to show off their wealth without breaking a sweat or developing any actual athletic ability.

It's just harmless fine right? Wrong.

There are several reasons why golf and golf courses need to go the way of Blockbuster. Slowly forgotten about.

Is Golf's Water Consumption Sustainable?

The Strain on Local Water Resources

Every year, golf courses use an astonishing amount of water—sometimes millions of gallons per course—to maintain their lush, green fairways. This is especially troubling in areas grappling with drought or water scarcity, raising questions about the allocation of vital resources when many globally lack access to clean water.

Chemicals and Their Impact

The story doesn't end there. The chemicals used for lawn maintenance can find their way into local water systems, posing both environmental and public health risks.

The High Cost of Green

Running a golf course is anything but cheap, thanks in large part to its high water use. The result? Skyrocketing membership and green fees that put golf out of reach for the average person.

Golf in Arid Climates: A Double Whammy

What's truly baffling is the presence of water-intensive golf courses in arid regions. This not only exacerbates local water scarcity but also fosters a misleading sense of water abundance that could have long-lasting repercussions.

Priorities of the Wealthy Elite

It seems that for the affluent, leisure comes before environmental responsibility. Despite the glaring sustainability issues, these golf courses continue to thrive, largely funded by the wealthy elite.

Time for Change

As the climate crisis intensifies, incremental changes are no longer enough. Some golf courses are taking steps towards sustainability, like using drought-resistant grass and recycled water, but these initiatives are far from universal.

Golf Courses Overuse Toxic Chemicals

They're literally giving you cancer. 

The chemicals used on golf courses are a significant concern for anyone who cares about the environment and public health. Golf courses rely on a variety of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers to maintain their pristine appearance, and these chemicals can have serious consequences for the ecosystem and human health. Studies, aptly titled Toxic Fairways, have shown that even living near golf courses can contribute to an increase in deleterious health effects in those closeby. Living close to these fairways was linked to a higher incidence of cancers, reproductive health issues, and endocrine (hormone) dysfunctions.

The use of these chemicals can lead to the contamination of soil and water, harming wildlife and nearby communities. Pesticides, in particular, can have detrimental effects on bees and other pollinators, which are crucial for the health of our food system. Furthermore, the toxicity of these chemicals can lead to long-term health problems for golf course workers and people living in the surrounding areas as mentioned. It has been calculated that golf courses may use nearly 50,000 pounds of pesticides a year, MUCH higher than seen in agriculture or other sectors.

The environmental impact of golf course chemicals is compounded by the fact that golf courses are a luxury activity enjoyed almost exclusively by the wealthy. The fact that these chemicals are used to maintain a recreational activity that is only accessible to a small percentage of the population is a clear indication of the misplaced priorities of our society.

As such, it's clear that golf courses are bad for the environment because of the chemicals they use. To address this issue, there need to be stricter regulations on the use of these chemicals and more widespread adoption of sustainable maintenance practices. Additionally, we should be encouraging alternative uses for golf courses that do not rely on harmful chemicals and that benefit the local community and environment. Ultimately, it's time to acknowledge the negative impact of golf courses on the environment and take action to promote more responsible land use practices. Maybe we can revive Blockbuster and open them on golf course fairways? Throwbacks are always fun.

Golf Steals Land From Local Communities: 

They hit a ball then drive to where they hit it. Make it make sense.

The effects of golf courses on local communities are a cause for concern. The construction of golf courses often requires vast amounts of land, which can have a significant impact on the surrounding environment and the communities that rely on it.

Firstly, the construction of golf courses often involves clearing natural habitats, including forests, wetlands, and grasslands, which can disrupt ecosystems and lead to the loss of biodiversity. This destruction of natural habitats can have a significant impact on the local community's well-being, as they rely on these ecosystems for essential resources such as water, food, and medicine.

Moreover, the displacement of local communities to make way for golf courses is a significant social issue. In many cases, the construction of golf courses has resulted in the forced eviction of indigenous communities, who are often marginalized and vulnerable to land grabs. This can have a devastating impact on their way of life, as well as their cultural heritage and identity.


Furthermore, golf courses are often designed with little consideration for the local environment, leading to increased water usage, chemical pollution, and habitat fragmentation. This can have long-term consequences for the environment and the health of nearby communities, who are often exposed to the toxic chemicals used to maintain golf courses.

The social and environmental consequences of golf course construction are further compounded by the fact that golf is a luxury activity enjoyed almost exclusively by the wealthy. This means that the negative impact of golf courses on local communities is disproportionally borne by those who are already marginalized and vulnerable.

Golf Can Have a Negative Socio-Economic Impact

The economic impact of golf courses is often touted as a significant benefit for local communities, but the reality is much more complex. While golf courses can provide jobs and tourism revenue, there are hidden costs associated with these developments that are often overlooked.

Firstly, the construction of golf courses often requires significant infrastructure investments, including the building of new roads, water supply systems, and sewage treatment facilities. These investments can come at a high cost to the local community, diverting resources away from other essential public services, such as education and healthcare.

Moreover, the economic benefits of golf courses are often overstated, particularly when considering the disproportionate benefits enjoyed by the wealthy. Golf is a leisure activity that is predominantly enjoyed by the wealthy, and as such, the economic benefits of golf courses tend to flow to those who are already economically privileged. This further perpetuates existing social inequalities and contributes to the concentration of wealth in the hands of a few.

Furthermore, the development of golf courses often results in the displacement of other industries, particularly those that provide essential resources for the local community. This can have a significant impact on the economic well-being of the community, particularly for those who are already economically disadvantaged. For example, the conversion of agricultural land into golf courses can result in the loss of vital food-producing resources and have long-term consequences for the local food system.

The jobs created by golf courses are often low-paying and seasonal, meaning that they provide little long-term economic security for local residents. Moreover, the jobs created by golf courses are often concentrated in a few areas, such as maintenance and hospitality, further exacerbating existing economic inequalities.

The tourism revenue generated by golf courses is often overestimated, particularly when considering the economic benefits of other industries that could have occupied the same land. For example, the conversion of agricultural land into golf courses may generate some tourism revenue, but this pales in comparison to the long-term economic benefits of a thriving local food system.

Moreover, the development of golf courses often results in the privatization of public land, leading to the loss of natural resources and ecological services. This can have long-term economic consequences for the local community, particularly when considering the costs associated with the loss of biodiversity, ecosystem services, and the potential for environmental disasters.

Furthermore, the fact that golf is a leisure activity predominantly enjoyed by the wealthy means that the economic benefits of golf courses tend to flow to those who are already economically privileged. This further perpetuates existing social and economic inequalities, contributing to the concentration of wealth in the hands of a few.

Alternative Uses for Golf Course Land: 

Alternative uses for golf course land offer a more sustainable and community-focused approach to land-use management. Repurposing golf course land for more sustainable uses can have numerous environmental, social, and economic benefits. In this article, we will explore some creative and sustainable ways to repurpose golf course land.

One of the most popular alternative uses for golf course land is community gardens. Community gardens provide numerous benefits, including increasing access to fresh produce, promoting community engagement, and providing educational opportunities. Golf courses have large open spaces that can be transformed into community gardens that can be managed by local residents. Community gardens also have the potential to provide job opportunities and promote local food systems, leading to greater food security for the community.

Another alternative use for golf course land is parks and green spaces. The conversion of golf courses into public parks can provide numerous environmental and social benefits, including promoting physical activity, improving air and water quality, and providing habitat for wildlife. The creation of public parks can also help to mitigate the effects of urbanization, providing a much-needed respite from the concrete jungle and helping to improve the overall quality of life in the community.

Wetlands restoration projects are also a sustainable use of golf course land. Wetlands provide numerous ecological benefits, including water filtration, carbon sequestration, and habitat for a wide range of plant and animal species. Golf courses often have water features, such as ponds or lakes, that can be restored into functioning wetlands. Wetlands restoration projects also have the potential to create job opportunities in fields such as ecological restoration and habitat management.
 
Golf course land can also be repurposed for affordable housing developments. The conversion of golf courses into affordable housing can provide much-needed housing options for low-income residents, promoting equitable access to safe and affordable housing. Affordable housing developments can also promote community engagement and economic development, leading to greater economic stability and resilience in the community.

Golf courses can be repurposed into mixed-use developments that incorporate a variety of land uses, including residential, commercial, and community space. These developments can promote walkability, community engagement, and economic development.

Solar farms are an increasingly popular alternative use for golf course land. Golf courses often have large, flat areas that are ideal for solar panel installation. Solar farms can help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and provide renewable energy to local communities.