Perceptions of the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program: A Survey of Superintendents of United States University-affiliated Golf Courses

The Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program (ACSP) recognizes sustainable golf course management practices and is administered by Audubon International, Troy, NY, in partnership with the United States Golf Association There are six categories of the ACSP certification; 1) Environmental Planning; 2) Wildlife and Habitat Management; 3) Chemical Use Reduction and Safety; 4) Water Conservation; 5) Water Quality Management; and 6) Outreach & Education. Currently, only 13% of the estimated 17,000 golf courses in the U.S. have achieved some level of ACSP certification. A survey was conducted to determine the level of ASCP certification of U.S. university-affiliated golf courses and the interest of having students involved in the application process. A cross-sectional, self-administered online questionnaire was administered to a population of 120 U.S. university-affiliated golf course superintendents. Data was analyzed using Chi-square, Spearman’s rank correlation, and Cox multiple regression analysis. The survey response rate was 31.9%. A majority of respondents (75%) were familiar with the ACSP and 25% identified their university-affiliated golf course as having some level of certification. Fifty-four percent of superintendents reported that their college or university affiliate has a turfgrass or horticulture program, and those with these programs were more likely to be ACSP certified. Nearly 60% of superintendents reported academic courses from nearby colleges or universities visit their golf course for tours or laboratory exercises, and 85% of respondents report employing full- or part-time students on their course. Of those superintendents who were not ACSP certified, 73% reported being interested in becoming certified if students were to assist in the application process. Superintendents at non-ACSP certified courses ranked “cost” as their main reason for not being certified, while those superintendents at ACSP certified courses ranked “labor” and “time” as the most challenging factors for completing the certification process. The most reported benefit of being ACSP certified was “enhanced public perception”. Student assistance was identified as a viable option for superintendents who want to become certified or want to further their certification status and this may create valuable service-learning activities for students and instructors.