2025
Over the past 15 years, Elm Park has progressively transitioned its playing surfaces to more sustainable grass species. Previously, much of the course was dominated by annual meadow grass Poa annua, which presents several sustainability challenges due to its high input requirements. These include elevated nutrient demands, poor drought tolerance, and a high susceptibility to disease.
Elm Park has successfully converted its greens to surfaces that are no longer Poa-dominant. As a result, the greens now require significantly reduced inputs of fertiliser, irrigation, and fungicides. The effectiveness of this approach is demonstrated by the club’s 3rd green, which benefits from favourable location, aspect, and topography and has not required a fungicide application for over seven years. The remaining greens typically receive only three fungicide applications annually during the autumn and early winter period.
This reduction in chemical dependency is particularly important given the decreasing availability and effectiveness of fungicides and aligns closely with the principles of the Sustainable Use Directive.
