Strategic research objectives
The golf and turfgrass industry, like other land-based industries, must take responsibility for sustainable societal development, i.e. it must produce golf courses and other turfgrass areas of a high standard while at the same time ensuring sustainable use of natural resources and contributing to functioning ecosystems. The aim of STERF is to support R&D that can help the golf industry to fulfil these ambitions. The activities of STERF are intended to lead to improvements in the quality of golf courses, as well as economic and environmental gains for the industry and society as a whole.
The overall STERF R&D Programme
The strategic objectives for STERF-funded R&D activities are that:
- The design, construction, management and administration of golf courses provide optimal conditions for playing quality, degree of utilisation of the course and management inputs.
- The design, construction, management and administration of golf courses are economically and environmentally sustainable, for example with respect to plant nutrient requirements, water and energy use, drainage and control of weeds and plant diseases.
- Golf courses contribute to production of biological diversity, conservation of natural and cultural environments and retention and expansion of ecosystem services, and to improving the conditions for good quality of life and health, e.g. through providing a broader active outdoor life, experiences of nature and better climate adaptation in the everyday landscape.
New R&D sub-programmes
We recognize that sector specific and global challenges need concerted action and collective solutions, underpinned by robust, applied science.
To be able to manage and build resilient and sustainable golf facilities, we need new competence and knowledge. Because of this need, in 2024, the STERF board worked intensely to create four new international and trans-disciplinary R&D programmes;
R&D programme Winter stress and integrated pest management
R&D programme Sustainable Use of Natural Resources in Golf Course Management
R&D programme New technologies for a sustainable future
R&D programme Multifunctional golf courses and ecosystem services – Landscape perspective
