Developing and maintaining what is reputed to be the most environmentally sensitive golf course in the world is no easy task. From the onset, this responsibility fell onto the shoulders of Jeff Carlson, the Club’s Golf Course Superintendent from inception through 2015. In 2016, Kevin Banks came on board as the Club’s new Golf Course Superintendent and has overseen the expansion of VGC’s research and development programs as well as built an incredible team. The entire membership is very proud of the investment and support they bestow on the amazing turf team and encourages their development of course care practices and pioneering approach to exploring new and innovative methodologies. As such, Kevin and his team, work in partnership with local regulatory bodies, naturalists, and organic experts from around the world, to ensure VGC maintains a course that is organic in nature. Conventional pesticides have been replaced with bio-stimulants and composted fertilizers. Nitrogen is used to make turf hardy and increase the growth rate, as the team effectively works to "grow the plant out of disease." Banks explores every organic practice that's available, including the application of organic pesticide on the greens and whipping the fairways in the morning to remove moisture and prevent fungi.
Vineyard Golf Club is regarded by many as a global leader in organic course management techniques and has received numerous awards and recognition. Today, environmentally conscious courses from around the globe look to the success of VGC when developing their own natural course management programs.
For over twenty years, the course has remained a tribute to what can be accomplished through persistence, collaboration, and creativity.