Sustainablelawrence’s Weblog

Here are four words you probably never thought would be strung together: Environmentally-friendly golf course.

Isn’t that one of those oxymorons…you know, like gourmet fast food or “clean” coal? 

It doesn’t take a scientist to realize that modern golfing is one of the most environmentally-hazardous sports around (second only to Humvee drag racing). Seriously, think of all the ways most golf courses harm the environment: they require a great deal of energy and water to support their creation and maintenance; they are doused with herbicides and pesticides, which eventually make it into the water; they disrupt the ecosystem by removing native plants and wildlife. It’s about as eco-friendly as strip mining!

In all fairness to golfers, the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, based right here in Lawrence, recommends a number of changes that courses can make to become more “green.” The problem, though, is that these guidelines aren’t enforced in any way, so it’s unclear how many courses are actually making the changes.

Knowing how damaging the typical course is, it really shocked me when my friend Richard Morantz told me he wanted to create a sustainable golf course on his 80-acre land out in Baldwin. Richard is one of my most environmentally-progressive friends; he also grew up playing golf. Hypocritical? Not at all. As Richard shows, all it takes is a few minor–and major–adjustments.

For the last two years, he has methodically etched out a course on his land, respecting the native plant life instead of creating overly-manicured greens. He avoided using chemicals or wasteful irrigation, and he maintains the grounds with an electric mower and hand-pulled rollers.

Richard created a Web site that explains his vision, so I felt no need to really duplicate those statements. Instead, I thought I’d simply produce a small video clip that allowed you to see what the course looks like–and how fun it can be. Richard invited our mutual friends Aaron and Bob, and Aaron brought along his 3-year-old son Arlo, who made his golfing debut!

The result is a short, fun clip that lets you see the course–mostly through the eyes of a child at play. This was shot a couple of weeks ago, still early in the spring, so things have only gotten greener since then.

I doubt the PGA will come calling for the Vinland Natural Nine anytime soon. Still, it’s a great way to reconnect with nature–and, more important, it demonstrates that sustainable living doesn’t have to mean sacrificing the things we love. Instead, we can apply sustainability to every aspect of living, even recreation, and still have a great time.

So, without further ado, enjoy a minute on The Vinland Natural Nine:

–Ranjit