LONGBOAT KEY, FLA.—Longboat Key Club & Resort, a strong proponent of green hospitality, has taken its commitment one step farther with the implementation of green golf course technology as standard procedures for their golf course maintenance programs.
Long before “green” became the industry buzzword it is today, Longboat Key Club & Resort was well on its way to identifying sustainable and energy saving initiatives that have been widely implemented throughout the resort. When the focus turned to refurbishing their golf courses, they relied on the expertise of John Reilly, director of agronomy, to find a system that would accomplish the goal of rejuvenating their courses but also one that would adhere to the resort’s strong commitment to environmental conservancy and sustainable initiatives.
Over the course of the past two years, and in difficult growing conditions due to heat and near drought conditions, Reilly has been able to turn an agronomically challenging course into an oasis of emerald green through the use of natural fertilizers and organic processes. The dry fertilizers that are used consist of water soluble nitrogen, sprayed applications consist of filtered organic mixtures and lake and water areas are treated with biodegradable applications only. Gone are the days of mass applications of synthetic pest controls on the resort’s two courses.
Wildlife Returning to Area
Since the use of synthetic fertilizers has ceased, there has been a noticeable increase in the populations of blue crabs and seabirds as well as other island inhabitants. The runoff from the sprinklers and hydrating systems is filtered through natural compounds, creating a healthier environment for everyone, especially the golfers who frequent the course three, four and sometimes five times per week.
“As a long-time proponent of sustainability and conservation, we are extremely proud of the results we have experienced with the beautification and refurbishment of the courses,” said Michael Welly, general manager of Longboat Key Club & Resort. “But the real benefit is to our members and guests whose golf experience on the Longboat Key Club & Resort courses is not only enjoyable, but healthy and free from the toxins that can be prevalent on most other courses. While the process of implementing a green golf course is not an inexpensive one, we believe it is the wave of the future, is certainly the right thing to do and in the best interest of our members and guests. With the investment of both time and money, we can truly say we have two of the finest island courses on the West Coast of Florida. Not only are the courses challenging, the landscaping and scenery picturesque and the staff outstanding, I am most proud of the fact that we are so environmentally progressive. My thanks to John Reilly and his team, whose diligence and creativity has allowed us to achieve such a remarkable success.”
In addition to the green initiatives for golf course maintenance, the courses also use biodegradable tees, energy efficient golf carts, biodegradable service ware and recycled water at all rewash stations.
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