Water continues to be a critical resource for the maintenance of quality golf courses. Even in water-rich areas like the Great Lakes Basin, states are actively regulating water use and these regulations are increasing. New or expanded sources of water are going to be under more intense scrutiny as a result of increased regulation. Water already is, or has the potential to be, the limiting factor in the management of existing golf courses and the construction of new golf courses. This research will evaluate the retainment of stormwater on golf courses as a water source for irrigation and the environmental benefits of these systems to the community in which they are located. Water quality, the cost benefit of constructing a retainment system, and how these systems can help a community address water related issues will be evaluated in this research. Stormwater retainment systems on three golf courses in Michigan will be evaluated for water quality and the cost benefit they provide as compared to three golf courses that irrigate out of a holding pond recharged with a well.