BASF Corporation

Corporate Headquarters: Research Triangle Park, North Carolina (Agricultural Products Group / Golf)

Website: http://www.basf.com

Category: Turf & Course Suppliers

LEADERSHIP

Michael Heinz, Board of Executive Directors

Tobias Dratt, President, North America

Marc Ehrhardt, President, Global Business Services

Karen Killeen, Senior VP

Jeffery Vannoy, Senior Product Manager

Company Overview

BASF Corporation, the North American affiliate of Germany-based BASF SE, creates essential products utilized by golf course superintendents worldwide to optimize course conditions. With approximately 16,000 employees in North America and sales of $20.5 billion in 2023, BASF has established itself as a leading provider of turf management solutions across all three climate zones in the country (warm, cool, and transition).

The company’s Professional & Specialty Solutions group, part of the Agricultural Solutions division, provides comprehensive turf maintenance solutions including fungicides, herbicides, insecticides, land and pond management tools, spray adjuvants, tank cleaners, turf colorants, turf spray indicators, and turf and greenhouse nutrients. This wide array of products enables golf courses to maintain championship-level conditions year-round.

Key Facts:

• Over 100 production and research sites throughout the U.S. and Canada
• Approximately 112,000 global employees across BASF Group
• Operations in nearly all sectors and almost every country
• Six major business segments: Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, Surface Technologies, Nutrition & Care, and Agricultural Solutions
• Member of various industry associations and sustainability initiatives

Business Innovation

BASF’s approach to innovation in the golf sector reflects its broader commitment to creating chemistry for a sustainable future. The company’s research and development efforts focus on addressing the evolving challenges faced by golf course superintendents, from disease control to environmental sustainability. In recent years, BASF has significantly expanded its presence in the golf industry through strategic product development and market entry initiatives.

The company’s innovation strategy encompasses the entire spectrum of turf management needs, developing solutions that work in harmony with various climate conditions and turf types. By leveraging its global research capabilities and deep understanding of agricultural chemistry, BASF continues to introduce groundbreaking formulations that help superintendents maintain optimal course conditions while adhering to environmental stewardship principles.

A particular focus has been placed on developing products that offer enhanced disease resistance and improved turf resilience, while simultaneously reducing environmental impact. This balanced approach has led to several breakthrough products in fungicide and insecticide categories, marking significant advancements in how golf courses manage their turf health and appearance.

Strategic Focus Areas:

• Sustainable chemistry development
• Environmental protection
• Social responsibility
• Economic success
• Research and development
• Customer-centric solutions
• Global market presence

Future Focus

BASF continues to prioritize:

• Development of innovative turf management solutions
• Expansion of sustainable product offerings
• Enhancement of existing product lines
• Research into new disease and pest control methods
• Customer support and education
• Environmental stewardship

As a global leader in chemistry and agricultural solutions, BASF maintains its commitment to creating chemistry for a sustainable future. The company’s approach combines economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility, ensuring that golf courses worldwide have access to the most advanced and sustainable turf management solutions available.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

While BASF might not be a household name among golfers, it stands as one of the most significant companies in golf course maintenance. Their innovative solutions and comprehensive product portfolio are essential to maintaining golf’s most valuable assets — the courses themselves. Through continuous research, development, and commitment to sustainability, BASF plays a crucial role in keeping the game’s playing surfaces in pristine condition, supporting the sport at every level from local clubs to championship venues.