CourseCo-managed facilities utilize Integrated Pest Management programs outlined in IPM-CHAMP plans. (IPM = Integrated Pest Management; CHAMP = Chemical Application Management Plan). In its essence, the program describes what cultural and non-chemical control measures will be taken to reduce the use of chemical pesticides. Clear understanding of the micro-environments on the course allows for the implementation of cultural practices that will reduce the pest populations by strengthening the natural defenses of turfgrasses. Our plans include a description of the thresholds at which chemical pest control will be employed in each area of the course. Finally, the CHAMP describes the best management practices to be followed when chemical pest controls are utilized when pest populations exceed the established thresholds.

CourseCo has received local, state and national recognition for innovative use of integrated pest management. Examples of innovative practices include the use of microscopes for early detection of pathogenic fungi, frequent mapping of pest populations as part of the pest monitoring programs in our IPM-CHAMP’s, and collaboration with the USGA in studying 18 new bentgrass varieties to determine which are best adapted to our climate exhibiting the greatest disease resistance.Some examples of cultural practices that have effectively reduced disease pressure and lowered pesticide usage include: the pruning of trees to allow air movement across greens, removal of trees to increase light that reaches portions of greens, re-routing cartpaths to better control traffic, modifying nitrogen applications, reducing thatch in greens, improving drainage in the fronts of greens, and improving irrigation coverage.