Bayer survey demonstrates importance in Internet to superintendents

MONTVALE, N.J. - According to a survey of superintendents conducted by Bayer Environmental Science, more than 90 percent of respondents believe the Internet and related online services have a moderate to high impact on the golf course industry.

Bayer ES conducted the survey at the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America's International Conference and Show held in Atlanta in February. The results were released in late March.

Most superintendents who responded to the survey use the Internet for gathering news and product and technical information, not to purchase products.

Clearly the Internet has become an essential tool for superintendents, as nearly all those surveyed use the Internet for some facet of their jobs. Only one respondent claimed to never use the Internet. The rest of those surveyed said they use the Internet mainly to:

* Research product and technical information - 62 percent

* Read news - 37 percent

* Review employment opportunities - 31 percent

* Make purchases, both general and work-related - 21 percent

* Get updates on events -- 21 percent

*just curious - 17 percent

* Correspond through forums or chat rooms - 3 percent

* Don't use it - 1 percent

While a relatively small percentage said they currently make purchases online, 71 percent indicated they would do so in the future. Some of the reasons superintendents gave for not making online purchases were unfamiliarity with Internet purchasing and familiarity with local distributors and sales people.

Online functions superintendents would like to see in the future included golf-specific weather information, thorough MSDS and chemical information and forums or chat rooms specific to golf course management and maintenance.