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A huge number of English golf courses are at high risk of serious flooding, according to a study.

The report, called ‘Securing the Future of Golf’, has warned clubs of drought and flooding over the next few years.

Custodian Golf claims that 117 golf clubs in England, about six percent of the total number, are in danger.

It states that courses, particularly along the east coast, are facing a serious threat of falling beneath rising tides and coastal erosion.

Meanwhile, clubs at risk of less severe flooding could still suffer devastating financial impact, in addition to already rising costs.

The south and east of England are said to be particularly vulnerable to drought, too. That could lead to restrictions on water usage and pose difficulties for turf quality and course playability very soon.

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“Water resource management has become a costly endeavour, with outdated irrigation systems leaving many clubs ill-equipped to deal with prolonged dry spells,” said Phil Grice, head of Venues at Custodian Golf.

“Custodian Golf’s analysis highlights that the installation of modern irrigation technology — necessary for minimising the impact of drought conditions — can exceed one million pounds, a prohibitive expense for most clubs.

“In many regions, the imbalance in rainfall across Great Britain has further widened the gap between those clubs able to adapt and those at risk of closure.

“We are at a critical juncture for golf in Great Britain, the climate challenges are exacerbating an already tough economic environment for golf clubs.

“A proactive and data-driven approach is vital to help clubs navigate these challenges effectively.”

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Clubs are being urged to plan for water resilience and contact water authorities sooner rather than later, to secure their water future.

“Floods and droughts pose a direct threat to the game of golf,” added Professor Jacob Tompkins OBE, water consultant at Ecoprod. “Golf clubs should pay attention to this report as they have a stark choice.

“They can either play a part in tackling flood and water resources by being more efficient with their water use and by managing their land to accommodate intense rainfall and providing enhanced habitats, or they can face an uncertain future where they are seen as a burden on the environment and compete with business and domestic properties for dwindling water supplies.

“Golf courses should embrace sustainable water management immediately”.

It also comes after a BBC report in April found that over 100 courses in Scotland are dealing with – or soon will be dealing with – the effects of coastal erosion.


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John Turnbull A graduate of the University of Stirling, John joined the bunkered team in 2023 as a Content Producer, with a responsibility for covering all breaking news, tour news, grassroots content and much more besides. A keen golfer, he plays the majority of his golf at Falkirk Golf Club. Top of his 'bucket list' is a round of Pebble Beach... ideally in the company of Gareth Bale.

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