Short description of the intervention
The environmental impact of golf has led to growing calls to make the sport more sustainable (1). Golf course maintenance often involves carbon-intensive fertilizers, frequent mowing, and, in some cases, the clearing of forests or trees that naturally absorb carbon dioxide to make room for expansive fairways (1). However, the Tournament Players Club (TPC) Michigan is working to create courses that benefit both golfers and the environment (2).
Fifteen years ago, the site was a neglected floodplain along the Rouge River, initially purchased by Henry Ford in 1915 and once littered with community waste and old motor parts from the Ford Motor Company (2-3). Today, it has been transformed into an 85.8-hectare course that supports a diverse range of wildlife, including birds, fish, foxes, and coyotes (2). Led by Jack Nicklaus, the restoration aimed to turn this former waste site into an eco-friendly course (2). With guidance from Audubon International, the course was converted into a wildlife sanctuary, becoming the world’s first golf course to receive the prestigious John James Audubon Environmental Steward Award for ecological restoration (2).
TPC Michigan features native Michigan plants, such as viburnums, which produce berries for wildlife, along with various native grasses (2). To prioritize environmental stewardship, the course managers have created buffer zones to protect natural habitats and conserve water by using coring methods to monitor soil moisture (2). Pesticide use is minimized; instead, staff monitor for signs of disease or pests and test the soil to determine the specific nutrients needed for the turf (2). The course’s links-style layout includes rolling fairways, tiered greens, and natural wetlands, with tee options ranging from 5.5 to 6.4 meters (4). By establishing a wildlife sanctuary, TPC Michigan offers golfers a unique experience that fosters a connection with nature (3).
