FROM THE USGA
The Bene fit of Natu raliz ed Area s
By George Waters, USGA
A
t the 118th U.S. Open Championship at Shinnecock Hills, native grasses blowing
in the wind provided a striking frame for the action on the course. It’s an appealing aesthetic
that harkens back to golf ’s earliest days on the coastal links. But it’s important to know that
areas of tall grass and native vegetation on a golf course are for more than just looks. Natu-
ralized areas help golf facilities reduce inputs, focus resources on primary playing areas and
enhance wildlife habitat.
Today, naturalized areas are increasingly common on golf courses. In fact, according
to a recent USGA-funded survey, 46 percent of golf courses are increasing their acreage of
naturalized areas. This trend brings many benefits, but establishing more areas of tall grass
and native vegetation requires careful planning to avoid playability issues.
Jim Skorulski, who has worked as a USGA agronomist for nearly 30 years, has helped
many golf courses in the Northeast establish naturalized areas and is very familiar with their
36 | CSGA Links // July 2018
www.csgalinks.org