Highland Links - The Greens are Going Green

Date: August 24, 2015
Contact: Superintendent George E. Price, Jr., 508-957-0739

Superintendent George Price is pleased to announce an innovative turf management project in collaboration with Johnson Golf Management, operators of the Highland Links Golf Course concession in Truro at Cape Cod National Seashore. With the guidance of Charles "Chip" Osborne, an expert in sustainable turf management and one of the country's leading experts on growing organic turf, the golf course is exploring alternative lawn care products on one entire hole (tee, greens and fairway).

 

"The development of organic lawn care, and natural turf management, is in response to a growing concern around synthetic intervention in the landscape," said Mr. Osborne. "It is the development of science-based strategies from the natural perspective, adopting a systems-based approach that involves healthy soils, natural, organic products, and very specific and revised horticultural practices". 

 

After a few seasons, the golf course staff will evaluate the effectiveness of these "green" products and, if successful, expand their use at this and other golf courses they manage throughout Cape Cod. 

 

"This is a positive step towards a more holistic, natural alternative to conventional turf management practices in the national park," said Superintendent Price. "We are very excited to be a part of this pilot project and provide technical support from our natural resource staff". 

 

Jason Laramee, Johnson Golf Management's Business Manager, echoes Superintendent Price, saying "this is a great opportunity for the golf course to explore alternatives to typical turf management practices, and it fits the tradition of a true links course, providing an excellent golfing experience with breath-taking coastal views and minimally manicured terrain, showcasing the natural and culture beauty of Cape Cod National Seashore". 

 

The Highland Links Golf Course is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and is considered the oldest links course in America, established in 1892. Johnson Golf Management, Inc., a Massachusetts-based corporation, has operated golf courses since 1988. It currently operates Whaling City Golf Course in New Bedford, MA;Pakachoag Golf Course in Auburn, MA;and Indian Meadows Golf Course in Westborough, MA.