Is a Pesticide-free Golf Course Possible in Korea?

Jeju Ecoland GC and Uiryeong Eco-friendly Golf Course
Manual Weed Removal with Microbial Spraying
Strategic Turf Composition Tailored to Climate and Soil
Using Brine Made from Solar Salt to Suppress Weed Growth

Golf courses in Korea are not free from pesticides. They use fungicides, insecticides, colorants, and surfactants. According to data analyzed by the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment (formerly the Ministry of Environment) over the five-year period from 2019 to 2023, nearly 230 tons of pesticides are sprayed each year at 568 golf courses nationwide. Excessive use of pesticides can cause soil and water pollution and have a negative impact on ecosystems. Of course, domestic golf courses use low-toxicity pesticides, but this does not completely eliminate concerns about golfers' health and environmental pollution.

There are also pesticide-free golf courses in Korea. The most representative example is Jeju Ecoland Golf Club. It opened in October 2009 as a 27-hole course. From the design stage, it was planned on the condition that no pesticides would be used. The turf has been managed without pesticides ever since.

In 2011, it received certification as a pesticide-free golf course from the Ministry of Environment, the first such case in Korea. From its early days, it has maintained a close relationship with Jeju Province. To establish itself as an eco-friendly golf course, it operated a turf management council composed of environmental experts and turf specialists.

Jeju Ecoland Golf Club is an eco-friendly golf course that does not use pesticides. Provided by Ecoland Golf Club.

Ecoland Golf Club stated, "As Korea's first pesticide-free eco-friendly course, we provide a pleasant and clean golf course in line with the well-being concept," adding, "We exclude the use of chemical pesticides and put customers' health first." The course conditions are also impeccable. Ecoland Golf Club successfully hosted the KLPGA Tour NEFS Masterpiece in 2011.

Turf management is the key. Eco-friendly microbial agents are used. The turf takes root well and is healthy. Different types of turf are used for different sections. Bentgrass is used for the greens, while the teeing grounds, fairways, and rough are planted with a mix of Korean turfgrass (Zoysiagrass) and cool-season turfgrass (Bermudagrass and ryegrass). Artificial turf has been installed on teeing grounds of par-3 holes where divots are severe, as well as at cart entrances and exits.

A roe deer is resting peacefully on the course of Jeju Ecoland Golf Club. Photo by Ecoland Golf Club.

Ecoland Golf Club also thoroughly manages pests and diseases. Instead of pesticides, it suppresses pests and diseases through spraying microbial agents, aeration, sand topdressing, mowing, and manual removal. For insects, kitchen detergent is diluted in water and sprayed. When insects emerge from the ground, they are collected and removed.

Maintaining a pesticide-free golf course costs more. In general, microbial agents are about 1.5 to 3 times more expensive than pesticides. A total of 31 staff members are assigned on a constant basis to handle the entire process. This is not a large workforce. A small number of staff work hard under the scorching sun. Subsidies or tax benefits from local governments are needed so that more golf courses can operate without pesticides.

Uiryeong Eco-friendly Golf Course, located on the riverside of the Namgang River in South Gyeongsang Province, is another representative pesticide-free course. It is famous as an eco-friendly walking golf course boasting the superb natural scenery along the Namgang River. During the 2005 designation process for the "Uiryeong Eco-friendly Leisure Sports Park Special Zone," it complied with a letter of commitment under Article 9, Paragraph 1 of the Special Act on Deregulation for Regional Specialization and Development, which stated that "no structures will be installed and no changes will be made to the landform within the river area, and pesticides and fertilizers will not be used so as not to affect river management and pollution."

Uiryeong Chinhwangyeong Golf Course is a pesticide-free golf course that sprays a microbial fermentation solution. Provided by Uiryeong Chinhwangyeong Golf Course

It is a 9-hole public course. It is notable for using artificial turf on the greens. This approach minimizes the areas where pesticides would otherwise be needed. All other areas are planted with Korean-style turfgrass. Twice a week, microbial fermentation liquid is sprayed via sprinklers. Microbial agents enhance turf recovery and make the turf itself healthier. Saltwater is sprayed to suppress weed growth. Aeration, vertical mowing, and sand topdressing are used to prevent pests and diseases.

Uiryeong Eco-friendly Golf Course is busy in summer. Located along a river, it suffers flood damage every year. Due to course flooding, weeds grow rapidly. Weed removal and turf reinforcement two to three times a year are essential. All of this is done manually. There are 17 maintenance staff members. Grueling work continues in order to maintain a pesticide-free golf course.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.