The Scandinavian Turfgrass and Environment Research Foundation (STERF), The R&A and the United States Golf Association (USGA) are pleased to announce three research projects selected for funding under the International Turfgrass Research Initiative (ITRI), a global programme designed to advance sustainable golf course and sports turf management.
The announcement marks the culmination of a rigorous two-phase application process. Out of 25 proposals received at Phase 1, nine high-quality projects were invited to submit full proposals at Phase 2.
Following expert peer review and joint evaluation, three outstanding projects have been awarded funding.
Image: The R&A
These projects address critical priorities shared by STERF, The R&A and the USGA:
- Integrated pest management and reduction of inputs
- Water conservation and efficiency
- Biodiversity, ecosystem services, and landscape values
- Climate adaptation and carbon balance
The funded projects are:
- Pathways to a climate positive future for golf, Michal Becken, Ph.D., Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research (NIBIO)
- Integrating alternative strategies to improve the sustainable management of dollar spot, Paul Koch Ph. D., University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Leveraging Satellite Data for Water Conservation on Golf Course Fairway, Qiyu Zhou, Ph.D., North Carolina State University.
Maria Strandberg, STERF Director, said, “Climate change is driving significant shifts in natural ecosystems and environmental conditions, which affect the golf industry worldwide, and international collaboration is the only viable strategy to meet these challenges.
“All three ITRI projects are globally relevant and mobilize teams of qualified researchers representing different parts of the world. This collaboration will lead to new important knowledge and tools, and to a more efficient use of expertise and resources.”
John Kemp, Assistant Director – Sustainable Golf Development at The R&A, said, “From the outset, the ITRI initiative has demonstrated our industry’s collective aim to advance sustainable management of golf courses for the future. We are excited about the potential of the three successful projects to develop practical solutions with global relevance.”
“The USGA is happy to contribute to the ITRI as part of our €2 million annual investment in turfgrass research,” added Cole Thompson, Ph.D., Director of USGA Green Section Research. “It has been a pleasure working with STERF and The R&A to align our research priorities to fund international research projects that address critical topics important to the future of golf. We estimate that the long-term funding of this type of research provides an annual $2 billion benefit to the US golf industry and I’m confident that results from these projects will similarly contribute and help golf course owners and operators, as well as other turfgrass industry professionals, meet the challenges ahead.
“We are very fortunate to be able to engage with and leverage the expertise of so many talented scientists and turfgrass industry professionals to advance our mission, and greatly appreciate the time everyone has given to the ITRI.”
