Innovation

Mungeam Golf Design has implemented an entire overhaul of their design process in order to not only lessen the environmental impact of golf courses, but to create circular models that promote healthy thriving environments that can serve as habitats for local wildlife and vegetation. Instead of developing courses that deteriorate the land and environment they are built on and that also work to pollute local environments through the loss of open space and use of toxic chemicals, Mungeam’s design principles create courses with beautiful player experiences that are not only safe, but also good for the environment. Through the use of four main strategies in the design process, Mungeam courses differentiate themselves to align with Mark’s desire to promote environmental sustainability, as we “only have one Earth, [and] we need to protect it.”

Some of the smallest changes can work to make the biggest changes, as exemplified by the first two principles centered around materials and vegetation. A large amount of pollution occurs just in the sourcing of materials, as many courses and designers can be obsessed with obtaining very specific materials, no matter the distance to the location of the course, resulting in high amounts of pollution during transit. Instead of this, Mungeam works to find local suppliers and use materials local to the environments the course is being developed in. This not only decreases pollutants from transport, but also ensures that foreign or invasive species and materials don’t enter the environment. The second principle used surrounds vegetation on the course. While course design can often lead to large amounts of natural vegetation being removed to clear the course, Mungeam works to incorporate as much of the original vegetation into the design of the course as possible. However, Mark noted how simply keeping a tree for the sake of keeping it can actually be counterproductive in certain situations. If a tree shades a portion of the green creating unnecessary amounts of moisture, it can lead to use of extra fungicides which negatively impacts the environment even more. Mark works to find the balance between maintaining vegetation and not increasing maintenance to a degree that negatively impacts the course and the environment.

The third focus is on designing circular irrigation systems. It’s no secret that golf courses require large amounts of water to maintain the greens, and this is caused by many design choices. However, Mungeam courses incorporate multiple design systems that not only reduce water use, but also create circular water usage to severely limit water use on the course. This starts with the choice of grass. By selecting grasses native to the environments of the courses, Mark greatly limits the need for overwatering the greens right off the bat. From there, he incorporates efficient irrigation placement that takes the natural shape of the landscape into account to allow for the minimum amount of water to have the biggest impact. And last, he pairs this irrigation placement with central ponds on the courses working as the water sources with collection points built into the irrigation systems to bring water back to these ponds, which is then re-used to water the greens. The last principle employed works to provide habitats for the animals already present in the area, and those that continue to move in after the course is done. By building corridors into the course that create safe crossing points for any animal in the course, these sustainable open spaces become healthy habitats for local species. All of these combined create sustainable golf courses that not only provide a great golfing experience, but also improve the local environment and create safe spaces for animals to enjoy the healthy open spaces.

Inspiration

Mark has always heavily enjoyed the sport of golf and has played and watched it since a young age and has always had a deep love for nature and the environment. With this love, he went to college looking to pursue a career in environmental conservation, but his capabilities in math and design pushed him towards a degree in environmental engineering. Going with his two passions, during his time at college, he joined a local conservation committee and began working at a golf course in the area. In this committee, he learned about and helped to develop the regulations for working and developing around wetlands and conservation lands. Through his work at the golf course, he began to develop an interest in golf course design as the owner would ask for his engineering expertise for renovations. Once out of college, he began work in golf course construction until he worked on a course for a renowned writer of a golf course design book, which launched his career into design under Geoffrey Cornish.

He quickly learned many principles under which to conduct his designs and during his time as golf course architect joined his local environmental commission and the American Society of Golf Course Architects (ASGCA) environmental commission. He has always focused on creating courses that look good, play well, and have ease of maintenance as he views these as the pillars of courses that provide a great player and course management experience. With this position as a golf course architect, he began to incorporate sustainable design principles into his work. He wanted to “work with goals and objectives of clients to create a financially successful design that fits the surroundings and natural environment” and quickly realized that designing environmentally friendly golf courses went hand in hand with economic sustainability and one cannot truly exist without the other, leading to benefits all around for every stakeholder. Through incorporating his passion for golf with his passion for the environment, Mark developed a good reputation for environmentally sensitive work and believes that “maintaining the environment is the most important part of what [he] does.”

Overall impact

The impact of Mungeam Golf Design's innovative sustainable design principles can be seen across various aspects, including business, society, and the environment. In the short term, Mungeam Golf Design experienced immediate cost efficiencies by utilizing local materials and reducing maintenance needs, leading to decreased operational costs. This approach also allowed them to differentiate themselves in a competitive market by appealing to environmentally conscious clients. Over the long term, these practices have solidified the company’s reputation as a leader in sustainable golf course design, attracting new partnerships and projects with eco-focused stakeholders. This sustainable approach to business has not only enabled continuous growth but has also aligned Mungeam with global sustainability trends, ensuring their long-term relevance and viability. The evidence of these impacts is visible through an increased client base, partnerships with environmentally focused entities, and accolades in the field of sustainable design.

In terms of societal influence, the short-term effects include heightened awareness and education about sustainable practices within the local communities engaged by Mungeam's projects. Over time, these efforts contribute to a broader societal shift towards environmental consciousness in recreational activities, influencing both behavior and potentially local and national policies. The long-term effects can lead to significant changes in how societies value and interact with their natural environments, promoting sustainable practices across various industries. Concrete evidence of these societal impacts can be found in community feedback, increased community involvement in conservation efforts, and a rising demand for eco-friendly recreational areas.

Environmentally, Mungeam's innovations initially led to resource conservation, notably in water usage, and helped preserve local flora and fauna through thoughtful course layouts that integrate rather than dominate the natural landscape. The long-term environmental impacts include enhanced biodiversity due to reduced ecological disruption and improved habitats, alongside contributions to climate mitigation through reduced carbon emissions and the creation of sustainable green spaces. These effects are supported by environmental impact assessments which show a marked decrease in resource use and surveys indicating increased wildlife diversity on and around the golf courses.

The short-term benefits such as immediate cost savings, market differentiation, and enhanced community education set the stage for lasting impacts like a robust brand reputation, sustained environmental health, and societal shifts towards sustainability. These transformations are not only beneficial in their own right but also interlinked, reinforcing each other and amplifying the overall positive impact of Mungeam Golf Design's innovative approaches. These impacts demonstrate how Mungeam Golf Design’s commitment to sustainability transcends mere business benefits, fostering broader societal change and contributing significantly to environmental preservation. Their approach serves as a model for integrating business success with social responsibility and environmental stewardship.

Business benefit

Mungeam Golf Design’s commitment to sustainability provides significant business benefits, enhancing both its market competitiveness and operational efficiency. By prioritizing environmental sustainability, the company attracts clientele who are increasingly conscious of ecological impacts, distinguishing itself in a niche market. This approach not only caters to a growing demographic that values green practices but also aligns with global trends towards environmental responsibility, opening up opportunities for partnerships and projects with eco-focused investors and developers. Additionally, by utilizing local materials and reducing reliance on extensive maintenance practices, Mungeam Golf Design achieves a reduction in operational costs. These practices minimize long-term maintenance expenses and lower the carbon footprint associated with transportation and chemical use, leading to savings that can be passed on to clients, further enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Social and environmental benefit

Mungeam Golf Design’s innovative sustainable design principles provide numerous benefits to the environment, both big and small. For starters, local sourcing leads to less carbon emissions during the construction phase and once the course is running, the circular irrigation system paired with native grasses lead to little to no water waste as the water collects in central ponds to be reused. On top of this, by building courses with the natural environment rather than against it, local animals are encouraged to live and thrive within the area through the built in corridors for safe travel. While these principles obviously provide many environmental benefits, they also create an unrivaled player experience, as these beautiful courses draw the player in and often make them want to come back.

Interview

Mark Mungeam, President, Owner