The EGA GCC was formed in November 2008 to develop a relationship between golf and the regulators in Brussels in order to better prepare the game for legislation likely to impact upon courses. Its members represent The R&A, who fund the work of the Committee; the EGA; the Course Managers Association of Europe; the European Golf Course Owners Association; the European Institute of Golf Course Architects; the Federation of European Golf Greenkeeper Associations; the PGA European Tour; and the Professional Golf Associations of Europe.

 

Member States of the EU are currently working on River Basin Management Plans, which will include a set of measures to improve water quality and water management across Europe. Those plans must be adopted by governments by the end of 2009.

 

Most countries are going through a public consultation process. The EGA GCC strongly recommends that national golf bodies and their members contact their local or regional water management authorities to articulate the game’s water requirements in relation to initiatives that look to meet the stipulations of the WFD. 

 

Tony Bozzi, Chairman of the EGA GCC, said, “Golf can live within sensible regulation with regards to water use and limits on pesticides. If golf is to protect itself from unnecessarily stringent control, it must work with the authorities to explain its needs and activities, which are often poorly understood and exaggerated in terms of its use of irrigation water and the potential for pollution from pesticides and fertilisers.”

 

The EGA GCC guidance is available from its member associations.