Golfer Perception of Trees on Golf Courses

With the exception of true “links-style” golf courses, trees are an important component of most golf course landscapes. While trees can significantly affect speed of play, quality of the golf experience, and the health of golf course turf, they are often mismanaged or neglected by golf course management. Golfer perception of turf quality (green speed, rough grass height, tee surface quality) often drives turf management decisions made by the golf course superintendent. If golf course managers better understood golfer perception of and appreciation for golf course trees and their health, the care of golf course trees may gain greater priority in golf landscape management plans. We could find no research on golfer perception of golf course trees, so developed a survey to measure golfer attitudes about trees on the golf course. Questions about the architectural, aesthetic and environmental value of trees on the golf course, their effects on speed and quality of the golf experience, and perceptions of tree health were asked of golfers after completing golf rounds. Golfers playing on public fee and private golf courses were included in the survey. Survey results will be shared with state, regional, and national golf course superintendent and club manager associations.