This year’s Sustainable Golf Week is taking place between 11 and 15 November and again provides a chance for people and organisations across the sport to celebrate the good that golf does in society.

This time, the week spotlights another key aspect of golf’s responsibility and its value in sustainable development, focussing on how golf serves, supports and strengthens communities.

With previous editions exploring other priority topics such as climate (#DrivingNetZero) and nature (#BetterwithNature), for 2024 the emphasis is on #GolfforCommunities.

Jonathan Smith, Executive Director of GEO Sustainable Golf Foundation – the international non-profit that helps facilitate and coordinate the week said: “Golf is not just a game. It’s a sector with the power to make a real dfference in people’s lives. Serving and supporting people from a wide diversity of ages, backgrounds, and cultures in a wide variety of ways – that are often not well recognised.

When it comes to sustainability, where equity is a central pillar, it’s not only about saving the planet, it’s about giving everyone a fair shot. And as much as golf gives people access to healthy lifestyles in fresh air and nature, there’s still open space for the sport to benefit more people in more ways.”

Alan Grant, Director of Partnerships at the Foundation added: “Sustainable Golf Week is a time to celebrate, and also to stop and think about how golf can go even further to build fairer, greener communities – not just on the course, but in cities and towns everywhere. It’s about taking big swings for a better world!”

“We invite everyone, no matter how large or small they think their contribution, to share stories and ideas about golf’s relationship with diverse communities around the world. To offer perspectives on the game’s strengths and weaknesses around such key topics, and to help inspire and guide the next key steps we can all take to maximise the sport’s positive impact. The more we all share, the more the world will know golf cares, and the more ideas and inspiration will be provided to others”.

During the week content will cover a raft of ways golf can and already does, contribute to society, including touch points on:

• Lifelong health, wellbeing and social interaction
• Employment, investment and skilled careers
• Volunteering and lifelong education
• Community outreach and charitable initiatives
• Multi-functional use of land
• Local environmental protection, nature restoration and nature-based solutions
• Influence in low carbon, nature rich and circular economies; and
• Golf as a source of inspiration for billions of people.

Getting Involved:

You can find out more about the agenda for the week and access the Sustainable Golf Week Toolkit HERE.

Please use the graphics, hashtags and handles to share and celebrate your own achievements, commitments and perspectives.

@sustainablegolf
#golfforcommunities
#sustainablegolf
#sustainablecommunities

On Thursday, 11 November, representatives from golf and beyond came together at Scotland’s Climate Ambition Zone in Glasgow to discuss several important issues around the sport and climate action.

READ ALSO: Golf – Lets Reimagine, Recreate and Restore

After opening remarks from Paul Bush OBE, Director of Events at Visit Scotland and Jonathan Smith, Executive Director, GEO Foundation for Sustainable Golf, event host David Garrido from Sky Sports teed off the discussion. In-studio guests joined virtual speakers from all areas of the game, including facilities, tournaments, developments and golf tourism.

The opening panel session sparked a wide-ranging discussion with Richard Holland, Director, Operations and Network Development with international NGO Wetlands International, Hugh Salway, Head of Markets with the Gold Standard and Kelli Jerome, Executive Director at GEO Foundation, joined virtually by Sam Barratt, Chief of the Youth, Education and Advocacy Unit in UNEP’s Ecosystems Division, Julie Duffus, Sustainability Senior Manager at the IOC from Lausanne, and, from Oslo, Suzann Pettersen, professional golfer and Sustainable Golf Champion who memorably holed the winning putt in the 2019 Solheim Cup at Gleneagles.

This conversation covered several critical topics focused on how golf and society can come together to take meaningful action. Whether that’s protecting ecosystems and habitats in general, encouraging more athletes to get involved in advocacy or just doing one thing in your role to get the momentum started.

Suzann Pettersen spoke about her commitment to sustainability since retiring from the game, “I feel I’ve got an important role here. Sport is such a great arena to raise awareness. We inspire and influence so many millions of people every day.”

You can watch the entire Driving for Net Zero event below.

The following session focused on climate action by grassroots facilities at GEO Certified clubs in England, Finland and New Zealand with Jason O’Malley, Managing Director at Woburn Golf Club, Janne Lehto, Course Manager at Hirsala Golf Club and Spencer Cooper, Superintendent at Remuera Golf Club sharing insights into their journeys to reduce carbon emissions.

The large virtual audience then heard from golf tournaments and tours. This session began with comments from Alex Armas, CEO of the Ladies European Tour, and Mollie Marcoux Samaan, Commissioner of the LPGA Tour and how they are working together on shared goals. Philip Russell, Assistant Director of Sustainability at The R&A, outlined many practical examples of how the organization embraced sustainable tournament staging through initiatives such as The Open Water and increasing renewable energy use on-site.

Lee Spivak, Managing Principal, Sports and Entertainment at WM, sponsors of the WM Phoenix Open, shared a glimpse into the principles and practices which have resulted in the event becoming the first-ever to achieve GEO Certified status five times.

Further contributions came from Ben Cowen, Chief Tournament Business Officer of the European Tour and Chris Chandler, Head of Sports at Dow, who runs the Dow Great Lakes Bay Invitational on the LPGA – also a GEO Certified tournament in the US.

The penultimate session honed in on manufacturing, tourism and golf development. This included Toro’s Andy Brown discussing electric mowers and sustainable irrigation. Jeremy Slessor at European Golf Design highlighted the importance of sustainable golf developments and their path to net zero, and Peter Walton, Founder and Chief Executive of IAGTO, provided insights into the world of golf tourism and carbon emissions.

A final discussion between Maggie Kim, CEO, The Gold Standard and GEO Foundation’s Jonathan Smith explored the importance of credible carbon mitigation. It showcased some of the sustainable golf tools available to the sport to help individuals and organizations take climate action.

Jonathan Smith, Executive Director, GEO Foundation, said: “The team at GEO Foundation were pleased to be able to pull this important conversation together – to enable such a large audience to hear the perspectives from within and outside golf. We’d like to thank the Scottish Government, all speakers and the audience, plus those that have helped promote and share the event. Now we look to the post-COP26 landscape to see what we can do best with partners and programme participants to help accelerate climate action in and through golf.”

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GEO Foundation for Sustainable Golf will host a special event on 11th November, coinciding with the COP26 climate summit in Glasgow, highlighting the roles golf can play in climate action and exploring the pathways to net-zero emissions. The aim is to facilitate an important conversation at a key point in time – with a view to raising awareness and inspiring accelerated action over the decade ahead.

READ ALSO: Sustainability – Why it Matters to Golf

Organized and facilitated by GEO Foundation, Driving for Net Zero will be streamed virtually from Scotland’s Climate Ambition Zone in Glasgow, and brings together leading experts from United Nations agencies and other climate action bodies with representatives and examples from across the sport of golf.

Jonathan Smith, Executive Director of GEO Foundation, said: “We are excited to be able to present this event live and coinciding with COP26, as global attention is on the critical topic of climate action. The programme brings expertize and diverse perspectives from around the world, across golf, sport and beyond. The event will emphasize why we need to act, explore what we can effectively do, highlight examples of leadership underway, and introduce new support and solutions developed to accelerate the movement.”

Second edition of the international voluntary sustainability standard for golf developments demonstrates golf’s continuing proactive leadership and progress in the construction industry.

Developed through close collaboration, both within and outside the golf industry, the release of this latest edition of the Sustainable Golf Development Standard represents another major step forward in golf’s journey to becoming a leader in sustainable sport, land use and development.

Available to all new developments from September 2021, this simplified new edition raises the bar on sustainability expectations and focuses on the most relevant issues and challenges in the current climate. Renewed emphasis is placed on areas such as increased transparency, carbon impacts, flexible construction timelines, circular economy and the impacts of agronomic decision-making.

Facilitated by GEO Foundation (GEO), six months of open public consultation and dedicated work by the international expert working group for sustainable golf development has led to the release of the second edition of this credible, accessible and relevant voluntary standard for any golf development. The milestone document provides a tighter framework, which can guide the process of delivering any new golf developments and renovations, from site selection through to opening day – delivering positive social and environmental value throughout.

Sam Thomas, Director of Golf Development for GEO, the international organization dedicated to helping advance sustainability in and through golf said: “The process of working with public comments and the international expert group’s knowledge was a great insight into what we’ve seen change in the sustainability space over the past five years. There were invaluable inputs shared into the ways in which everyone felt that golf developments, done in the right way, can continue to make real positive contributions to their environment, climate and community. Going forward, we are excited to adopt this 2nd edition of the standard at all new golf development sites seeking to gain GEO Certified Development status and, over the next five years, see how we can all push on to deliver even greater positive impacts.”

The seven members of the International Expert Working Group, which helped shape this latest edition, included representatives from the Society of Australian Golf Course Architects; American Society of Golf Course Architects; The European Institutes of Golf Course Architects; Golf course builders – through Landscapes Unlimited; Australian National University, Former European Commission representatives and Wetlands International.

Richard Holland, Director, Operations and Network Development, Wetlands International commented: “Congratulations to all involved in this significant milestone for the golf development industry. The 2nd edition builds on the solid foundations of the original standard and raises the bar for new sustainable golf developments. These voluntary standards can also provide valuable guidance for policymakers and regulators in their responsibilities to deliver the best possible outcomes for the environment and local communities.”

The revision of the standard was carried out in line with ISEAL Alliance’s Code of Good Practice for Standard Setting. GEO has been part of the ISEAL Alliance since 2015 and the rigour and credibility of that code are central to the revision of the voluntary sustainability standard. These same codes of good practice are followed by other well-known sustainability bodies including Fairtrade, The Rainforest Alliance and Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).

Tom Mackenzie, Director at Mackenzie & Ebert and Past President of European Institute of Golf Course Architects stated: “It is great to see the release of the 2nd edition of this standard. It now better represents the current sustainability issues we face as designers and I was very pleased to be able to represent the European Institute of Golf Course Architects (EIGCA) on the expert working group. Along with EIGCA’s Raising the Standard of Sustainable Golf Course Design educational programme, which was created with GEO, this renewed sustainability standard represents another meaningful point of connection with GEO for our members.”  

The document and further explanation can be viewed here along with information on the OnCourse Developments programme, which provides practical support to assist all types of golf developments and the GEO Certified Developments mark, which provides credible recognition to new projects.

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Words by GEO Foundation for Sustainable Golf

Ben Hogan once famously said: “As you walk down the fairway of life, you must take time to smell the roses, for you only get one round”.

That sentiment has arguably never had more meaning nor more relevance to golf – perhaps also to wider society.

We all know that the pressures on the natural world have never been greater. There has never been a more important time to stop and think about the value we derive from the ecosystems around us – that we gain so much from – that, in fact, we depend upon.

For hundreds of millions of players, the wonders of the natural world are literally right in front of us, around us and under our feet.

We escape into greenspaces. We immerse ourselves in grasslands, forests, wetlands and coastlines. We expose ourselves to the elements on hillsides and clifftops. We socialise. We laugh. We breathe deeply. We strengthen our bodies and replenish our minds.

The product and experience we enjoy so much is determined by the climate, the availability of natural resources, the health of the soil – often more than golfers ever know, but facts that are not lost on those that manage our courses.

Our great sport also advertises versions of nature. Hundreds of televised events are beamed out through sports media outlets to hundreds of millions of fans. Top athletes stand in front of stunning landscapes on different continents. Landscapes that have provided the backdrop to the drama, the spectacle and the revenue.

We gain so much, and we can give so much.

Golf is better with nature

Isn’t it interesting that so often we celebrate the most natural courses as amongst the best courses. They are the ones we talk about, most want to play, remember most vividly.  That narrow tee shot through the trees, the iron that flies the wetland onto the green, the par three with the sand dune and ocean backdrop?

Nature gives us the richest stage.  It can give us focus, thrill and reward.

Texture, shape, character, atmosphere – the sense of time and place – are all enhanced by each course’s unique combination of plants and habitats. These being the things that transform a bland, homogeneous landscape into a unique and vibrant place with an abundance of life. So often an oasis of biodiversity in a wider context of intensive agriculture; residential and industrial estates; and rapid tourism development.

Communities are better with nature

So as golf embraces nature, and golfers enjoy a better experience as a result, wider communities also benefit.  Clean air, clean water, carbon storage, more pollinators, more birds, urban cooling, flood alleviation. If golf is an ecosystem, then it delivers ecosystem services to everyone. If courses also allow or provide some other forms of recreational function, then the benefits are even more direct and profound. This is golf as a force for good, spreading wider benefits to local people and families.

Time to reflect, time to do more

It’s not always understood just how much of golf already embraces nature and delivers this value to players and communities. Look more closely and you will see thousands and thousands of examples of how golf is already actively protecting and restoring ecological spaces. Add to that the growing movement in direct species conservation – whether it be birds, bats, mammals, amphibians, insects and pollinators – and the contribution of the existing 34,000 golf courses on an area roughly the size of Belgium is already pretty large.

However, the world is changing, we all need to do more, and if we’re honest in golf – we don’t always get it right.

Golfer’s demands often lead to manicured landscapes, pushing nature out and building resource consumption in. Like the slow creep into a diet with too much salt and sugar, our tastes have changed over recent decades and not necessarily for the better.

Think of the landscape, think of your surroundings, think of your watersheds. Think what you can do, this time, to capitalise on nature. Let it come in and add value and interest to the wonderful experience you offer. Let it push out costly maintenance and resource use. Let it even cut to the heart of your brand, marketing and customer satisfaction.

As we all need to do as much as we can to heal our one planet, let’s proudly demonstrate how your business, course and golf club stepped up and played its part.

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Words by GEO Foundation for Sustainable Golf

The pressures on the natural world have never been greater. There has never been a more important time to stop and think about the value derived from the ecosystems around us – that we gain so much from – that, in fact, we depend upon.

For golf, this sentiment runs deep and true. In fact, for the game’s ongoing growth and success it is now, more than ever, a crucial consideration requiring significant action from all parties.

So how and why is environmental sustainability important to golf, and who are some of the kay actors that can drive significant change moving forwards?

Experience

There are countless reasons why golf is such a special, unique and cherished sport. As golfers, we are fortunate enough to understand and experience these on an almost daily basis as we play and practice.

4-5 Hours of fresh air; exercise; prolonged social interaction all bring about an abundance of health benefits that continue to shine a light on the sport and demonstrate why it really is, and can be, a sport for everyone to enjoy and benefit from.

But it also brings everybody closer to nature. It strengthens that connection between us and the outdoors – the wildlife, the plants and the trees.

Inevitably however, the product and experience we enjoy so much is determined by the climate, the availability of natural resources, the health of the soil and the landscapes – from mountains, grasslands, forests, wetlands, sand dunes and coastlines. Each depend on it.

Golf is better with nature. So often the most natural courses are celebrated as amongst the best courses. They are the ones we talk about, most want to play, remember most vividly.

Nature gives us the richest stage.

Texture, shape, character, atmosphere – the sense of time and place – are all enhanced by each course’s unique combination of plants and habitats. These can transform a bland, homogenous landscape into a unique and vibrant place with an abundance of life, an oasis of biodiversity.

To drive sustainability in the sport and reduce the use of natural and harmful resource that facilities often depend upon, we will actually create a more valuable and cherished experience for everybody.

As golf embraces nature, and golfers enjoy a better experience as a result, wider communities also benefit.  Clean air, clean water, carbon storage, more pollinators, more birds, urban cooling, flood alleviation, spreading wider benefits to local people and families.

It’s not always understood just how much of golf already embraces nature and delivers this value to players and communities.  Look closely and you will see thousands of examples of how golf is already actively protecting and restoring ecological spaces. Add the growing movement in species conservation – whether it be birds, bats, mammals, amphibians, insects and pollinators – and the contribution of the existing 34,000 golf courses is significant.

PGAs and PGA Professionals

Inducing change is never easy. No matter what the challenge (or opportunity) is. It requires concerted action from a significant majority that are each pulling in the same direction.

To create a more environmentally-friendly sport, this principle doesn’t change. Golf’s workforce are the people on the ground who can make a difference. In fact, they have to be the one who make the difference. Club managers, driving range attendants, senior executives, food & beverage managers, head agronomists, directors, volunteers and golfers. They all will make the difference.

As spearheads for education in golf, national PGAs are at the forefront of developing the workforce for the game. They continue to be the organisations educating, championing and shaping the modern PGA Professional. It is those PGA Professionals, who number in their tens of thousands across the planet that we are looking to protect, that can be at the centre of inducing real and positive change.

The PGA Professional so often finds themselves at the epicentre of their facility or golf club, helping to shape the future direction of each respectively. They are golf’s key influencers – influencing golfers and colleagues. We are already seeing this with new and ambitious campaigns such as #CaringForCourses. As gatekeepers of the sport, their position is enviable yet crucial.

By informing, educating, supporting and leading, PGAs can shape a PGA Professional that continues to be considered the expert in the game and an influential figure at their facility, whilst also being more environmentally-conscious and increasingly sensitive to the impact that golf has on the ground and surrounds in which we grace.

GEO Foundation

GEO Foundation is the international not-for-profit dedicated to accelerating sustainability in and through golf. The organisation delivers programmes that help people on the ground to evaluate, improve and credibly communicate their work of fostering nature, conserving resources, strengthening communities and taking climate action.

GEO delivers practical guidance, tools and solutions through its OnCourse programmes for developments, golf clubs and facilities and tournaments all around the world, backed up with credible certification.

GEO Foundation is certainly the driving force behind change in this area. The organisation reaches millions of people and has the opportunity to be a catalyst by raising sustainability awareness and leading by example.

Concluding Remarks

Creating a sustainable sport is perhaps golf’s greatest challenge yet at the same time, its greatest opportunity. As universal attitudes and public perceptions shift towards creating and needing an environment that is better looked after, golf cannot afford to be left behind.

In fact, golf has the opportunity to shine. It has the opportunity to lead from the front. COVID-19 showed to the masses what the sport can bring to the table as a health benefactor, it should now be able to demonstrate to the masses why it is an activity leading the charge to create a sustainable future.

Like with COVID-19, the impact of creating such a positive perception and backing it up with action will create knock-on effects through increased demand and participation. People want to associate and identify with entities and activities that are doing their bit.

Throughout this vital Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, launched by the UN on World Environment Day in June, as we all need to do as much as we can to heal our one planet, let’s proudly demonstrate golf stepped up and played its part.

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On World Environment Day last week, the European Tour launched Green Drive – a strengthened commitment to sustainability with a vision for the Tour to become a showcase for social and environmental responsibility, delivering net positive impacts around the world.

The Green Drive underlines an intensified approach towards priority issues such as climate change; biodiversity loss; air and ocean pollution; and sustainable and ethical procurement. It also sees the Green Drive take a formal position within Golf for Good, the European Tour’s overarching Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme.

Implementation will encompass all aspects of the business including operations, partnerships, technology, tournaments, TV production and venues (including European Tour Destinations) across the Tour community, which typically involves staging, promoting and sanctioning over 100 tournaments in over 30 countries each year over the European Tour, European Challenge Tour and Legends Tour.

The Green Drive extends to European Golf Design, the golf course design company of the European Tour, and the ethos will be encompassed within projects for new courses and redesigning existing member and resort courses to host tournaments and The Ryder Cup.

The Green Drive will be delivered with support from the GEO Foundation for Sustainable Golf (GEO) — a non-profit organisation dedicated to inspiring, supporting and recognising sustainability in and through golf around the world.

Keith Pelley, Chief Executive of the European Tour, said: “As an organisation that celebrates the best of professional sport in a diverse range of environments and cultures around the world, we want to both respect and enhance communities wherever we travel.  That means we need to act responsibly as a business and find new and innovative ways to deliver tournaments with lighter environmental footprints, and even greater social value.

“Under our Golf for Good banner we are committed to using the game we love as a force for good, whether that is through charitable endeavours, promoting health and wellbeing, or environmental and social responsibility.  We launched Golf for Good in 2020 during a challenging time for our sport and the wider world, but we see it as a central part of the Tour’s service to stakeholders and society in the long term – making a difference on some of the priority issues of our time; providing a platform for our many valued venues and partners around the world; and helping to advance and grow golf.  We believe all of those things will also make the Tour stronger.

“We are embarking on this important journey with our close partners, GEO Foundation for Sustainable Golf. Together we believe we can deliver world class sport and entertainment in a way that not only respects, but also helps to replenish the landscapes and communities that ultimately provide so much to us.”

GEO brings a wealth of experience, working collaboratively with golf governing bodies, associations, athletes and media over the last 15 years.  More widely, GEO has been highly active in the mainstream movement of sustainability, consulting with government agencies, NGOs, business and supply chain platforms to bring latest knowledge and insights to sustainability solutions for golf associations, tournaments, venues and athletes.

Jonathan Smith, Executive Director, GEO Foundation for Sustainable Golf, said: “The timing of this re-doubling of commitment and action by The European Tour could not be more important as we enter the UN ‘Decade of Action’, highlighting the need and urgency.  The Tour has a broad influence across its community and reaches and inspires millions of people all round the world.  With their leadership and ambition, and solutions in place for comprehensive yet effective delivery, we look forward to driving meaningful change, accelerating action and celebrating sustainable golf with the European Tour in the months and years to come.”

The key aims of the European Tour’s Green Drive are to: Lead by Example by integrating best practices into core operations, owned events and procurement, establishing Tour wide policies and tools, and activating new partnerships; to Support and Share by providing guidance and examples of best practice, fostering a growing community of collective action and results; and to Promote and Inspire by raising awareness, inspiring others and establishing a credible leadership position for golf in sustainable sport.

The Green Drive is aimed at contributing to internationally recognised environmental and social priorities, including many of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The approach to climate action is directly aligned to The Paris Agreement and the UN Sport for Climate Framework.

All carbon calculations are in line with the UN Greenhouse Gas Protocol; and offsetting will be carried out using GEO’s Sustainable Golf Climate Projects that are in turn fully accredited by The Gold Standard, and which are designed to also ensure additional contributions to the UN SDGs.

Golf for Good is the umbrella name for the European Tour’s overarching Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme. It involves three main pillars:

• Support for Worthy Causes: Which embraces all the charitable activity of the original 2020 Golf for Good initiative
• Sustainability: Which embraces the Green Drive focus around our operations, partnerships, technology, tournaments, TV production and venues, with a commitment to deliver net positive impacts around the world
• Inclusivity and Health: Which embraces our Golfers with Disability and golf for all messaging, in addition to promoting the wider health benefits of the game

For more information, visit et.golf/greendrive and sustainable.golf

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In addition to FEGGA and its Member Associations, other groups taking part in the global event include the Australian Sports Turf Managers Association (ASTMA), the Canadian Golf Superintendents Association (CGSA), and Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA). All together the groups represent more than 31,000 golf course management professionals in 78 countries around the world.

The celebration on Sept. 23 will include a commercial that will begin rotation on the Golf Channel and other media outlets, and social media messages touting the many ways that superintendents/greenkeepers make the game more enjoyable and sustainable. Golfers and others are encouraged to join in the conversation on social media using the hashtags #ThankASuper or #ThankAGreenkeeper depending on their country’s nomenclature.

“Superintendents/greenkeepers work hard each day to provide the excellent playing conditions that add to the, enjoyment of the game,” said Rhett Evans, GCSAA Chief Executive Officer.

“But in the face of the pandemic, they have played a key role in developing and maintaining the safety protocols that allow golfers to engage in their favorite sport while adhering to pandemic-related guidelines and restrictions.”

As courses reopened after the early months of the crisis, the demand for golf was clear. In the United States, golf rounds in June and July were up as much as 20% over the same time period in 2019, and in many parts of Europe, July rounds were up to as much as 40% – 60% over last year.

In addition to dealing with new pandemic procedures, greenkeepers continually strive to keep the game’s playing fields healthy and beautiful with environmental stewardship as a primary focus. Thanks to the overall efforts of the golf industry, golf courses are using less water, employing sustainable management practices and expanding natural wildlife habitats on courses.

Dean Cleaver of FEGGA commented; “Golf has been a major outlet to having some normality to people’s lives during the pandemic. It’s therefore fitting that we take a day to recognise the men and women who work behind the scene to provide this perfect escape.

“FEGGA is proud to join the many associations around the world by encouraging those who love golf and appreciate the work done by our dedicated greenkeepers to share their thoughts on social media to #ThankAGreenkeeper”

Visit www.fegga.org

Anderton will bring a wealth of experience and business acumen to the executive management team role having held a number of senior positions in sport.

Following Duncan Weir’s recent retirement after 35 years with The R&A, Anderton will take on Weir’s strategic and operational responsibilities for Golf Development and Amateur Championships. He will also assume responsibility for Sustainability, the British Golf Museum and for The R&A’s international offices in Singapore and Argentina.

Martin Slumbers, Chief Executive of The R&A, said, “Phil joins us at a time when the importance of developing golf around the world and building momentum on the growing interest in the sport has never been more important.

“He is very well placed to harness the investment we make to grow golf in so many different ways and ensure it is managed sustainably. Phil will play a key role in shaping our future strategy and delivering our commitment to ensuring golf is thriving in 50 years’ time.”

Phil Anderton said, “I am delighted to be starting a new role working for The R&A and it is a privilege to be given the opportunity to help shape the sport worldwide.

“Our goal is to ensure the sport thrives by becoming more appealing, accessible and inclusive and The R&A has a huge role to play in driving that effort. The sport has so much to offer and I look forward to working with our affiliated national associations, federations and partners across golf to make this happen.”

Anderton, who will be based at The R&A’s headquarters in St Andrews, knows the home of golf well having graduated from the town’s University in 1988 with an MA in Management and International Relations. He is originally from Edinburgh.

His early career involved roles with Procter & Gamble and The Coca-Cola Company before he moved into high profile roles in Scottish and international sport. He was Chief Executive of both the Scottish Rugby Union and Heart of Midlothian Football Club; Chief Marketing Officer of the ATP Tour and Chairman of the ATP World Tour Finals; and Chief Executive of Al Jazira Sports Club in Abu Dhabi.

Anderton has a wealth of knowledge and experience of implementing and delivering on business strategy in sport. While at the ATP, he reviewed the golf industry’s work in growing participation at grassroots level to help inform tennis. More recently, he has run his own consultancy businesses.

Golf has also been a lifetime interest for Anderton, both as a fan and as a keen player. He recently joined Gullane and plays to a handicap of 12.

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The same core team of tournament organisers that have made sustainability a central priority for the event continued to deliver against the international criteria as well as responding well to the annual Continual Improvement Points that were set last year.

For the 2020 edition of the event, the action plan continues to deliver previous best practices plus push the boundaries on new projects and innovations. As ever, the plan is comprehensive in the range of environmental and social issues it addresses, and the scope of application across venue and accommodation; staging activities; player and family engagement; legacy projects and community outreach. This is particularly commendable given the tremendous disruption and uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 health crisis.

Dan Van Horn, Founder and Chief Executive of the U.S. Kids Golf Foundation said: “This is great news, and demonstrates that we have an ongoing commitment to doing things in the right way – for the local communities and environments that our tournaments touch. This year has been particularly challenging, but we now look forward to staging a safe, environmentally friendly event in 2020, and one that also gives the community and families something to look forward to after many months of concern.”

Paolo Casati, President of Golf della Montecchia and of PlayGolf54 Group said: “If anything, environmental issues have gained even greater importance and visibility since last year, which explains why we are trying so hard to keep coming up with new ideas and solutions.  All of the team work incredibly hard and passionately on this, and I’m delighted to see them get the recognition they deserve.

We will again be focused on this for the 2020 Venice Open edition, and with great attention to all health regulations, which we will apply with rigour to guarantee safety and health for all the families involved.”

The initiative was led by the voluntary leadership of the U.S. Kids Golf Foundation and Golf della Montecchia, with strong support from the other two host venues – Golf Club Frassanelle and Galzignano Terme Spa & Golf Resort. The event is also backed by the Confederation of Professional Golf.

Jonathan Smith, Founder and Executive Director, GEO Foundation added: “Our congratulations again to everyone involved at the Venice Open. It would be easy to become complacent, and there is every reason to turn attention to other pressing human health issues – but the organisers have continued to ask questions and explore how they can do things better – and given the underlying significance of some of the issues they are addressing, this is hugely commendable.”

Venues:

• Golf della Montecchia GEO Certified® for 7 years and winner of IAGTO Sustainability Award
• Golf Club Frassanelle and Galzignano Terme are in OnCourse® sustainability program and working towards GEO Certified®
• All courses are pioneering organic management of new, warm-season grasses; and studying sustainable turf, biodiversity and water conservation, and reduced carbon footprint in partnership with NGOs and universities.

Event:

• Players, caddies and families completed an environmental questionnaire and environmental information family orientation packs
• Sustainable bamboo golf tees from Ocean Tee were supplied to player
• Sustainability themed signage across all venues and hotels
• Hotels and restaurants committed to the tournament’s sustainability policy
• Recovery of all recyclable materials and water refill stations
• Forty bicycles were provided to families by the JSH Group hotels
• Local sourcing with wine, meat, dairy and most of the vegetables from local farmlands (supplier Nautilus Fish and Wine has very comprehensive sustainability policy, more on their website)
• Local schools helped organise and stage the tournament, cooperation with local museums to promote the area’s history and culture, and fundraising for local charity, ‘Team for Children’.

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1. Why? Why are we doing this?
2. What? What is golf’s promise?
3. Who? Who are we?

That’s the view of leading environmental psychologist Professor Jenny Roe of the University of Virginia, who says golf course environments possess many of the natural features – including water, biodiversity, spatial variety and light patterns – that help reduce stress and induce calm.

In a new multimedia editorial feature from Syngenta Growing Golf, broadcast on World Environment Day, Prof. Roe is joined by Olympic golf course architect Gil Hanse, who explains how golf courses can be beneficial for the environment.

VIEW: The new value of golf’s green spaces

The comments come as many golf clubs report strong demand for play and membership following periods of course closures during the Covid-19 pandemic.

And it builds on global market research from Syngenta that suggests prospective players are attracted to the game because 1) it is outdoors and 2) offers relaxation and stress relief. (Physical exercise benefits ranked fifth.)

The feature poses the question: in the new normal, post Covid-19, could golf clubs and courses reposition themselves as valuable green space destinations in an increasingly urbanized world?

Mark Birchmore, Syngenta Global Head of Marketing, Turf and Landscape, who commissioned the feature, said: “On World Environment Day, at a time when the globe continues to face the challenges of Covid-19, this is a timely exploration of the deeper value and benefits golf and its course environments offer both people and the planet.

“In a world where access to green spaces is becoming more important and more valuable than ever, this is also an opportunity for golf to reposition and make itself relevant to a larger, more diverse audience.

To read the full article and watch the interviews, click here.

Today marks the UN’s World Environment Day. Last year, the GEO Foundation focused on how golf courses could play an important role in Beating Air Pollution.

And whilst so much has changed in the world since then, some underlying trends and issues are as important as ever.

This year they are celebrating golf’s contribution to nature – how it helps to conserve the rare and the common, the iconic and the invisible – and how golf’s global diversity of landscapes and ecosystems (the woodlands, the wetlands, the grasslands and the dunes) all offer safe haven for our wildlife.

Of all the environmental and sustainability issues we face, perhaps no other fits so well with golf – an outdoor sport and recreation that brings people into direct contact with their local green spaces, and the species that live there.

They also highlight some of those Sustainability Champions and leaders in golf who are making sure this doesn’t just happen by accident.  Who, through careful stewardship, are ensuring their courses are as valuable to nature as possible.

There’s also a firm focus on the benefits to golf clubs and golfers. For example, how nature can create new efficiencies; provide natural solutions to course issues like flooding; add to the experience and fun golfers have; and be a point of genuine pride in the local community.

You can view more of golf’s contribution to fostering nature on the GEO Twitter feed or by browsing the growing number of grassroots highlights at OnCourse.

We hope these inspire you and your club to make time #ForNature

VISIT WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY

Golf Course 2030 was established by The R&A in 2018 to address the challenges posed by climate change, resource constraints and regulation on golf course conditioning and playability and to provide best practice in sustainability to those working in golf course management.

Seven organisations will receive grant awards over the next four years to run sustainability projects and develop solutions that can be shared with golf course managers, greenkeepers and organisations involved in the maintenance and conditioning of golf facilities around the world.

The projects and organisations being funded are:

Course condition and playability

• Golf green quality standard (STRI)
• Quality standards for the golf course beyond the greens (University Centre Myerscough)

Resources

• The Greenkeeper/Golf Course Manager Profile (SRUC)
• Education for the Greenkeeping workforce (SRUC)
• Aggregates: availability and alternative products and solutions (STRI)
• Integrated turf management (STRI)
• Integrated management of diseases, weeds and insect pests on European golf courses (STERF)
• Water management: irrigation and drainage for golf courses (STRI and Environmental Protection Group)

Coastal Change

• Coastal management studies: links survey, innovative coastal management approaches and helping the golf community play its role in coastal management to secure a sustainable long-term future (Royal HaskoningDHV)
• Demonstration Project for an innovative system of erosion mitigation of coastline at risk (Siskin Asset Management and
• Subsea Consulting Services)
• Blue carbon audit of coastal golf courses (St Andrews University)

Steve Isaac, Director – Sustainability at The R&A, said, “This marks our initial investment in research, education and communication projects in support of our Golf Course 2030 initiative. We are funding these projects to develop best practice in sustainability and provide solutions to golf course managers that will help to sustain and improve the standard of golf course conditions and playability for the benefit of those who enjoy the sport.

“The results of the projects being funded will contribute significantly towards meeting the aims of Golf Course 2030 and provide insights to the golf industry as we consider how to address the challenges and opportunities presented by a changing climate, resource constraints and regulation on golf course management.”

The results of each project will be published in reports to be made available to the golf industry via The R&A website following their conclusion.

More information on each project and its objectives can be found here https://www.randa.org/en/sustainability/golfcourse2030

Through continual dialogue with golf club and course managers and golf associations, and as part of the mission to keep adding value to the growing number of people OnCourse, new features include:

• Annual Sustainability Scorecard – tracks the 32 Sustainability Metrics for Golf, giving clubs easy access to key data and year-on-year trends, plus professional-standard presentations and graphics prepared for each club.
• OnCourse Carbon Calculator – calculates carbon emissions, sequestration & balance plus guidance on how to improve.
• Communications materials – more ways to communicate with colleagues, golfers and community – including monthly themed campaigns for clubs that want to do more around a particular issue.
• Consultations – free call to determine which aspects of OnCourse will best meet a club’s aims and needs, and how to get started or connect with additional support if desired.

Now in eleven languages, the programme is proving to be a valuable resource for clubs and courses of all sizes around the world, with more clubs now joining every day to unlock the many business benefits of sustainability and to play their part.

As described by one club recently, “OnCourse provides a vision of how golf clubs can and should be in the 21st Century – as clubs that act as stewards for the land, use resources responsibly and are integrated as part of their communities.” – Bob Roberts, Market Harborough Golf Club.

Clubs around the world have already shared hundreds of examples of this type of action, their projects and results, provided as an always growing library of ideas in OnCourse and also helping to strengthen the reputation of golf and the value it brings to nature and people.

Over the coming months, many workshops and events are taking place with GEO Foundation and partners, check with GEO or your local golf association for more information.

And in the UK, visit the BTME Sustainability Zone in January 2020.

The Club first became GEO Certified in December 2015 and has continued to strengthen its commitment to sustainability and protecting the natural links habitat. Examples of this include grassland and scrub improvement and maintaining a thriving habitat for native bee species.

“The Open is played on some of the world’s most revered golf courses, at venues which represent the many ways that golf can be beneficial to communities and the environment. Congratulations to the team at Royal Portrush for their achievements, and for helping to ensure the continuation of The R&A’s leadership policy of high sustainability standards for Open venues.” – Jonathan Smith, Executive Director, GEO Foundation

Hosting The Open for the second time in its history this year, Royal Portrush will be home to several sustainability initiatives including a focus on Fairtrade, local and ethically sourced produce, waste management efforts and The Open Water Initiative, which will see free purified, chilled local water delivered directly to fans, players, staff and officials through the use of on-site water stations and special edition refillable stainless steel bottles.

The initiative will shine a light on the impact of global marine plastic pollution, while helping to drive behaviour change away from the single-use mindset that has led to an epidemic of ocean pollution. The initiative has been developed by The R&A in collaboration with Bluewater and is supported by UN Environment’s Clean Seas campaign.

Steve Isaac, Director of Sustainability – at The R&A, said, “It is important that all venues which stage The Open set the standard in sustainability and we are delighted that Royal Portrush is demonstrating its continuing commitment to addressing issues concerning the local environment, use of resources and the local communities.

“Our commitment to only host The Open at certified venues has been very well received and is a good match with The Open GreenLinks initiative across the staging of the Championship related to nature, communities and resources.”

The Open GreenLinks initiative was set up with the assistance of GEO Foundation’s OnCourse Tournaments programme, utilising many of the guidelines and resources that are designed to help golf tournaments around the world accelerate their own commitments, actions and results.

“We as a club are delighted to renew our GEO Certification and are able to track our progress and achieve continued improvement in our commitment to being an environmentally sustainable business. We are custodians of the Links here at Royal Portrush and take great pride in the flora and fauna within its sand dune grassland while also managing all departments of the business in a sustainable manner.” – Graeme Beatt, Course Manager, Royal Portrush Golf Club.

The 2018 U.S. Kids Golf Venice Open has been officially recognised as a GEO Certified® Tournament for its inspiring leadership to advance sustainability in and through golf.

The initiative was led by the voluntary leadership of the U.S. Kids Golf Foundation and Golf della Montecchia, with strong support from the other two host venues – Golf Club Frassanelle and Galzignano Terme Spa & Golf Resort. The event is also backed by the Confederation of Professional Golf.

Dan Van Horn, Founder and Chief Executive of the U.S. Kids Golf Foundation said: “We are thrilled to have achieved this world first. Innovation is ingrained in our DNA, as demonstrated by the approach we take at our home base in Longleaf, so it made absolute sense for us to push the boundaries on environmental sustainability and community value at our events. The GEO Foundation has been a credible and knowledgeable partner, providing support and now recognition that enables us to promote this important message more widely. We’d encourage all golf venues and tournaments to get involved.”

Paolo Casati, President of Golf della Montecchia and of PlayGolf54 Group said: “Together with all my family we are honoured by this result. It was a long journey, based on a commitment to environmental values that started many years ago. Thanks to a valued collaboration with the U.S. Kids Golf Foundation, we are very proud to spread this important message to the new generation.”

Coordination and delivery were overseen by sustainable golf expert, Stefano Boni – who used guidance and resources provided by the GEO OnCourse® Tournaments program to liaise closely with the organisers, venues, hotels, transport companies, caterers and also the children and their families. The award has been made following a robust third-party verification, which was based on all the evidence that Stefano gathered and reported.

Jonathan Smith, Founder and Executive Director of GEO Foundation added: “We are delighted to extend this well-deserved recognition to the U.S. Kids Golf Foundation and the team that stages the Venice Open. Perhaps the most inspiring part is seeing the children and their families getting engaged and expressing such a clear desire to see the sport they love embrace environmental stewardship and social responsibility. We congratulate all the partners on leading the way, and expressing what golf can do to foster nature, conserve resources and build inclusive, healthy and sustainable communities.”

Susie Tomson, the independent, expert verifier said: “The organisers used the international certification criteria to guide all their planning, and then broke it down into very specific and practical tasks, spanning a wide range of actions and issues. In a relatively short time, and without huge capacity or resources, they have managed to engage a lot of different stakeholders, and the players themselves, to generate real results. They are a model example of a smaller, non-professional tournament that can make a big difference”.

Venues:

• Golf della Montecchia GEO Certified® for 7 years and winner of IAGTO Sustainability Award
• Golf Club Frassanelle and Galzignano Terme are in OnCourse® sustainability program and working towards GEO Certified®
• All courses are pioneering organic management of new, warm-season grasses; and studying sustainable turf, biodiversity and water conservation, and reduced carbon footprint in partnership with NGOs and universities.

Event:

• Players, caddies and families completed an environmental questionnaire and environmental information family orientation packs
• Sustainability themed signage across all venues and hotels
• Hotels and restaurants committed to the tournament’s sustainability policy
• Recovery of all recyclable materials and water refill stations
• Forty bicycles were provided to families by the JSH Group hotels
• Local sourcing with wine, meat, dairy and most of the vegetables from local farmlands (supplier Nautilus Fish and Wine has very comprehensive sustainability policy, more on their website)
• Local schools helped organise and stage the tournament, cooperation with local museums to promote the area’s history and culture, and fundraising for local charity, ‘Team for Children’.

Read the full Venice Open GEO Certification report to learn more…

The third edition of the US Kids Venice Open is pushing new levels of sustainability action this week, by not only integrating nature, resources and community into the event, but also to engage the participating children and their families.

The event is being played over three days on three sustainably managed venues:

• Golf della Montecchia – fully GEO Certified®, IAGTO Sustainability Award Winner 2017 (community engagement); Biogolf research site; Italian Golf Federation Impegnati nel Verdi (INV) Award winner for water management.
• Frassanelle Golf Club – OnCourse® for GEO Certified®; twice awarded INV Award for cultural heritage and landscape management.
• Galzignano Golf Club – OnCourse® for GEO Certified®

In addition, the organisers have commissioned a sustainability specialist to work through the OnCourse® Tournaments programme, bringing ideas and supervising the initiative. This is leading to an array of further environmental and community actions, including:

• Promoting group bus transportation
• Promoting recycling and reduction in plastics
• Provision of green energy to the golf clubs
• Use of local and sustainable suppliers of services and materials, including catering, printing and signage
• All participants are given tickets to visit the local natural science museum
• Tracking resource use, at venues and hotels
• Selection of hotels with credible sustainability policies and programmes
• Information for players and families, including two ‘green questionnaires’
• Engagement of local schools, for volunteering and learning
• Raising funds for official local charities such as ONLUS, which provides support for children with cancer and which helps them engage in sporting activities.
• Promoting healthy lifestyles with discounted physical education and coaching, and healthy menus.

The event is applying to become a GEO Certified® Tournament.

Dan van Horn, CEO of the US Kids Foundation – “We established a partnership last year with the GEO Foundation to help bring sustainability into events like the Venice Open, and we are delighted to see how this is progressing and the way it is connecting with the players and their families. Our thanks to all those who have worked to turn the commitment into action, and we are excited about how we can help further pioneer sustainability and children’s golf in the future”.

Ian Randell, Chief Executive of the Confederation of Professional Golf – “This is a great addition to an already fantastic event, and one that does so much to promote the positive things that golf gives to individuals and communities. We fully support this important initiative and congratulate US Kids Golf and the venues for bringing it forward”.

Paolo Casati, President of Golf della Montecchia – “We are very proud to host this tournament, and it is fundamental for us to send the young players and families the message of the importance of respect the environment. We started last year the process to improve the environmental and community aspects of the event, and this year we hope to be ready to reach the official GEO Certified® Tournament standard”.

Jonathan Smith – “It is a pleasure to work with the organising team of the Venice Open, including the venue managers. They are all so committed and enthusiastic towards the added value that this brings to the entire event, and the important message it sends to the next generation of golfers. We are proud to support and recognise such inspiring leadership in and through golf”.

Find Out More at VeniceOpen.it

The pair will run in excess of a marathon for seven days, while taking on various golfing challenges each day in their rest breaks, including the British Speedgolf Open, and a GolfSixes, culminating in a final round of 18 holes at Le Golf National’s famous course upon reaching their final destination.

The run coincides with the Year to Go celebrations as Europe and USA prepare to lock horns in the 42^nd Ryder Cup, one of the world’s greatest sporting contests, and will raise money for “Golf In Society”, enabling people with dementia to continue to play the game.

Dr Murray, a brand ambassador for Merrell UK is no stranger to long distance challenges having famously once ran 4300km from far north Scotland to the Sahara desert. However the 36 year old who also works as a Sports and Exercise Medicine consultant with the University of Edinburgh, and the European Tour Golf is recovering from a recent hospital admission with viral meningitis in mid August, and knows it won’t be easy.

“We will be racking up about 50,000 to 60,000 steps per day, eating about 5000 calories and will be on the move golfing and running most of each day,” Dr Murray said.

“We want to highlight that exercise in the great outdoors is the best thing you can do for your health. Going from being a couch potato to walking, running, or playing golf regularly can add seven years to life, it can improve health and on average make you happier. We’re urging everyone to get outside and get walking, running, golfing, or any other activity you enjoy.”

Paul Dunstan, Ryder Cup Operations Director with the European Tour added, “I’m not entirely sure what I’ve let myself in for, I enjoy running as well as golf but ask me at the end of the seven days how I feel about them! However, the main aim of the challenge is to promote the many benefits of not just golf and running, but exercise in general and having an active lifestyle, as well as funding for Golf In Society, if we can achieve these two objectives the sore legs we’ll have at the end will be worth it.“

The pair hope to raise £5000 for Golf In Society, improving the lives of persons with Dementia and Parkinson’s disease by supporting them to continue playing golf, offering additional benefits to their carers. They can be supported at this link www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/GolfAndMentalHealth.

Golf In Society are pioneering dementia friendly golf, aimed at improving the lives of people living with dementia by introducing/ reacquainting them to golf. golfinsociety.com/2015/11/10/uks-first-dementia-friendly-golf-club-launches-in-lincon/

Here we look at just a few examples of how anyone involved with a golf facility can make impactful and sustainable changes leading to economic, environmental and social benefits…

Electric Equipment Initiative

Bear Trace at Harrison Bay, USA

GEO Certified® 04/2014

Conversion of 18 pieces of gasoline powered golf course maintenance equipment to fully electric powered units allowed The Bear Trace at Harrison Bay to eliminate the use of over 9,000 gallons of gasoline in a single year saving over $27,000, cutting point source CO2 emissions by over 182,000 pounds of CO2, and eliminating possible contamination from leaking or spilled oils or fluids.

More Biodiversity, Greater Savings, Less Maintenance

Carnoustie Golf Links, Scotland

GEO Certified® 12/2013

By minimizing the amount of amenity turfgrass and increasing the size of habitat corridors Carnoustie Golf Links has saved between £2–3,000 since becoming GEO Certified®.  Apart from the cost savings, the creation of habitat corridors acts as a buffer zone between sensitive landscapes and has ensured that habitat fragmentation is kept to a minimum.  With scrub management programmes, the club continues to identify further ways in which to increase these areas.

Reduced Mowing Results in Cost and Nature Benefits

Golfpark Nuolen, Wangen, Switzerland

GEO Re-Certified® 12/2012

By reducing the mowing of the out of play areas by 15%, Golfpark Nuolen has saved €2-3,000 annually.  Subsequently this has encouraged the re-naturalization of native areas and the creation of wild life corridors.

On top of this, any fertilizers that are required for the course have been purchased in bulk in conjunction with 3 other clubs.  This has resulted in savings of €8,000 to each club and bulk purchasing allows for attaining a better product at a 15-30% lower price.

Finding Cost-savings Through Efficient Energy

Coventry Golf Club, West Midlands, England

GEO Certified® 05/2012

Looking to lower electricity use – and costs – Coventry Golf Club completely re-lamped the club’s buildings with low energy, sensor lighting. Solar panels were also installed to help reduce costs, with the excess electricity produced being sold back to the energy company. In the first full year since the work was done, the club cut their electricity costs by 28.5%, amounting to £8,000, which will offset their investment quickly.

OnCourse to Cost and Water Saving at The Home of Golf

St Andrews Links, Fife, Scotland

GEO Re-Certified® 12/2014

After an audit of the irrigation system prompted by their participation in the OnCourse programme, some simple steps were taken to become more efficient. For example, the arcs of water nozzles were altered to avoid watering rough while some others were removed altogether. Overall they accomplished a 25% reduction in water use on a greens cycle and a 20% reduction for the fairways; Subsequently the energy use for the pumping system has also reduced.

Turning Waste into Savings

Broken Sound Club, Florida, USA

GEO Certified® 07/2014

As part of their overall commitment to sustainability Broken Sound Club invested in a Central Composting Facility, to turn all available biodegradable waste into sterilized organic mulch. This is spread on the fairways and used in the landscape beds. $12,000 was saved on fertilizer expenditure in year one and the money invested in the composting facility will be recouped within 4-5 years.

Cost-savings No Rough Task

Hill Side Golf & Country Club, Vihti, Finland

GEO Certified® 07/2012

Finland’s first private golf club considered the amount of rough being maintained and with a more efficient rough maintenance plan they achieved cost savings of €3,500 in 2012. 392 fewer hours were spent mowing rough while fuel and machinery use was reduced. Savings in fuel were part of overall net savings of over €10k from the overall improvements in club resource and management efficiencies.

Looking to Locals for Supplies Cuts Costs and Footprint

Highlands Country Club, Tennessee, USA

GEO Certified® 09/2014

Situated in a remote part of Tennessee, the new outlook Highlands Country Club took to make its supply chain more local has been very successful. For example, the uniforms and sanitary products are now purchased from local suppliers who opened the door to negotiate a better deal for the club; while boosting the local economy and thereby strengthening the outside view of the golf club; and a new point of pride in being part of lowering overall pollution from transport.

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For more ‘Real Results’ examples visit www.golfenvironment.org/get_involved/real_results.

The meeting enabled members of the Confederation of Professional Golf’s Golf Developer Team to join together to share their experiences from previous trips, exploring the intricacies of their missions to develop the sport, and the many stories from their visits around the globe.

The meeting also provided insight into the technicalities and processes involved in the ‘Working for Golf’ Programme, including pre-, during, and post- trip activities and requirements, such as the developer’s preparation ahead of the trip and the reporting and feedback elements of a visit once they return home afterwards.

“The meeting is something that we’ve talked about for a number of years but we’ve never managed to get everyone together before,” said Assistant Director of Golf Development for The R&A, Alison White.

“We were keen to talk through the nuts and bolts of each operation – how we select the Professionals, what they do when they get to a certain country.  It was fun and interesting for all of the Professionals to hear that they all have the same problems and opportunities when they get to different countries…I was delighted to see that everyone thought that going on these missions was very special, and that it is worthwhile from The R&A’s point of view to put money into this type of work.”

“Since the early days we have seen the work of the Golf Developer group accelerate and we are now involved in much more than just coaching,” said Confederation of Professional Golf Director of Education & Membership, Tony Bennett.

“We have 24 highly skilled and well qualified PGA professionals who we can call on to deliver golf development work and they have a wide range of competences from which we can select the most appropriate professional. Typically they exhibit a thirst for knowledge and learning, are or have been, involved in coach education, are very adaptable and able to think on their feet. Our team is equally at home working with players on the range, training coaches, consulting with national governing bodies, or meeting with governmental officials.  It really is a privilege to work with such a good group of professionals.”

The meeting coincided with the European Golf Association’s European Team Shield for emerging nations, an event that is supported by The R&A and in itself is the venue for a ‘Working for Golf’ mission with four PGA Professionals supporting and mentoring the team coaches and players for the duration of the tournament.

The ‘Working for Golf’ Programme is just one of the ways in which The R&A supports the growth of golf around the world using funds generated each year by the Open Championship.

PGA Professionals and experts in relevant fields have been sent around the world over the last two decades with recent missions heading to India, Malaysia, Costa Rica, Madagascar, Latvia and Poland.  The Confederation of Professional Golf act as the service provider for The R&A’s developmental work ensuring Professionals with the required skill sets and expertise are sent to be of maximum benefit to that country’s development.

“I thought it was great for us Professionals to hear how The R&A awarded trips, and interesting to hear that what I had been doing on these visits was pretty much what I should have been doing,” said PGA of Great Britain & Ireland Professional, Sarah Claridge.

PGA of France Professional Stéphane Bachoz added, “It was very exciting to listen to my colleagues and peers about their stories from different countries and cultures, and was great to share with them and be part of it.”

“We shared experiences so we can learn from each one of us about what is working in Argentina, what works in India, or what works in Malaysia,” said the PGA of Spain’s Jesús Rodriguez.  “Now it makes things easier and we understand the mission and goal and how things work.”

For more information on the ‘Working for Golf’ Programme visit www.randa.org/TheRandA/Working-for-Golf/Working-for-Golf

Economic Performance

The course is your prime asset and you need to know what you are spending on its upkeep and where your money is going. The annual audit is usual practice for business. Keeping a record of income and expenditure is essential if the performance of the business is to be measured and analysed so that management can adjust practices to assure future prosperity.

The golf course can make up 70% or more of a golf facilities total expenditure and it is important that costs and revenue from course-related activity are tracked and reported on.  Club and course managers need to find a means of:

• Providing clear information to committees and boards
• Assessing where more money can be made and less spent
• Demonstrating the success of management practices
• Developing an even more efficient and effective programme

There are software programmes available to enable data recording and reporting, with the most basic being a simple spreadsheet.

On average, 60% of direct costs related to the course will be for staff. The greenstaff’s time is, therefore, precious and should not be wasted. Do you know where, on the course, the staff spend their time?

Surveys have shown that on some courses, up to 27% of staff time can be spent looking after bunkers! Are you able to prioritise time so that the areas golfers consider most important – the putting surfaces and green complexes – receive the most attention? See the real value from your staff by focusing their efforts on the areas of the course that will improve your business prospects.

Playing Performance

The performance of the golf business is directly related to the performance of the golf course.  The course is the primary asset for the business. So, why not audit the performance of the course in a similar way to that of the business?

If you can demonstrate that your management provides consistently good or improving performance of putting surfaces, then the club knows that it is investing wisely in the course and in you and your staff.  The following assessments should be undertaken on a regular basis:

• Holing Out Test. Records the final outcome of putting surface preparation – the reliability of the surface in terms of getting the ball in the hole.
• Smoothness and trueness. Available through the Sports Turf Research Institute (STRI) Programme.
• Firmness – a key measure when it comes to the receptiveness of surfaces, ball reaction on landing on the green and the year-round playability related to drainage.
• Trueness/smoothness – important to consider ways of reducing surface imperfections that interfere with the roll of the ball.
• Speed – useful to assess the consistency of putting surfaces, both through the year and between greens.

In addition to these playing performance criteria, there are critical agronomic measurements that, if assessed regularly, will inform turf management and ensure healthier turf and better playing performance – these are soil moisture and organic matter.

Target ranges can be set for all of the above, but these must be realistic and achievable within the confines of the site and available resources.

Environmental and Social Performance

The Course Management team need to keep a record of the inputs required to present the course to a good year-round standard, related to cost and playing performance targets.

Holding good information and reporting on water, pesticide, fertiliser and energy use and waste production are key elements for the golf course operation and also for justifying the course management programme in environmental and social impact terms. Golf facilities should be transparent in this regard to demonstrate that the game is a responsible user of land that does not pollute.

Beyond this, use of top dressing and other materials has an impact on budgets and the environment, be it directly related to the golf course or in terms of the supply chain and where these materials are sourced.

The Golf Environment Organization (GEO) OnCourse^® Programme provides an excellent means of recording and reporting on these aspects of sustainability performance.

Making Data Work For You

The R&A has produced a list of Evidence Fields, which is available from its website, randa.org. This is a list of financial, playing performance and greenkeeping practice data that needs to be collected and analysed if the performance of the golf course is to be monitored and improved.

Much of this data can be used to achieve environmental certification. The financial information can also be used to assess the benefits to the business of going through such a certification process.

Recording data is only of value if it is used for the benefit of the course and the business. Interpretation of results may require expert assistance, particularly with regard to the agronomic elements. The club management team must work together to get the best out of the golf facility and this has to reflect well on their contribution to the business.

This article appears courtesy of The R&A. For more information visit golfcoursemanagement.randa.org.

A professionally managed golf course also can demonstrate environmental stewardship and provide a place to meet exercise and fitness goals. Just walking 18 holes, for example, can burn more than 2,000 calories.

As part of the celebration of “Earth Day” on April 22, here are 10 facts about golf that help promote the sport and the environment:

1. Golf courses are professionally managed landscapes where environmental stewardship is important – from using water and nutrients more efficiently to implementing improved methods of erosion control.
2. In general, the golf industry is striving to deliver firm playing surfaces that are better for everyone and improve the bottom line. More than two-thirds of golf courses report that they are keeping turfgrass drier than in the past.
3. The golf industry is continually investing in research to identify drought-tolerant grasses and improve water conservation through best management practices.
4. Golf courses continue to adopt water conservation practices, reduce irrigated acreage and use innovative technologies, such as targeted irrigation systems and ground moisture measurement tools, along with weather monitoring systems, providing the science to water only when and where it is needed.
5. Irrigated areas on golf courses have decreased by more than 14,000 acres between 2006 and 2014.

6. Use of recycled water has increased by 32.7 percent from 2006 to 2014. Recycled water now counts for 25 percent of all water used on golf courses.
7. Golf courses routinely have recycling programs to reduce and reuse.
8. More than 90 percent of a typical golf course is comprised of turfgrass, a water body or other natural areas that prevent erosion, filter runoff, and provide for cooler temperatures when compared to urban settings.
9. More than 70 percent of acreage on an 18-hole golf course is considered green space that provides benefits to the ecosystem, reduces maintenance and supports wildlife habitat, including protected species.
10. Through governmental affairs involvement, professional education and public information, the golf industry continues to promote environmental responsibility as a widespread industry practice.

Find out more about Earth Day at www.earthday.org and tweet using #EarthDay2016. For more information form the World Golf Foundation visit www.worldgolffoundation.org.

Governments, environmental and community-based organisations around the world are using new tools and concepts to try to determine how much and what forms of economic and leisure development can be deemed ‘sustainable’ in locations. It’s recognised as important for society to try to understand at what point development moves from being beneficial to damaging.

Of course, none of this is an exact science, nor is it rigorously and consistently applied around the world, and much depends on the type of development being considered.

However, the following methodologies are being applied to help stakeholders gain a better understanding of when development will start to exceed the aesthetic, biological, energy, water, social and cultural capacity of our surroundings.

Cumulative Impacts

Cumulative impacts result when the effects of one action are added to or interact with other effects.

For example, several golf developments in close proximity may give rise to significant landscape, ecological or resource effects in combination, when none would have by itself. Analysis of cumulative impacts is important in identifying the carrying capacity of a bio-diverse area under threat by humans, known as a hotspot, to accommodate multiple golf developments. Such analysis can also help reveal appropriate thresholds for sustainable development.

On the other hand, clusters of golf facilities that have been well planned, designed and constructed can help to preserve the landscape and ecosystem fabric of larger units of land, and bring them under conservation-based management for decades and centuries to follow. Golf can be associated positively with increasing the ecosystem and resource-carrying capacity of a region.

Carrying Capacity

Broadly, carrying capacity refers to the amount of an activity or resource use that a system can support sustainably, without showing economic, social and environmental deterioration and decline in the longer term.

This fundamental concept underpins modern-day approaches to sustainable development. Strategic planning now seeks to define the capacity of areas to accommodate various levels of development of different types, and when accumulated.

Carrying capacity studies can be beneficial to developers in anticipating and addressing competition for limited resources and customers. Such studies can also help in phasing development. Energy and water capacities might increase through the use of new technologies, increasing the amount of permitted development.

Thresholds

By better understanding the carrying capacity for golf development for a defined area or region, taking into account its other land and resource use needs, it is possible to
begin to identify thresholds for sustainable development.

Although not usually precise, given the complexity and subjectivity involved, this concept is increasingly tied to strategic land-use planning decisions.

For example, when governments release parcels of land for macro-scale tourism development, they often set a pre-determined ratio for the number of golf courses and density of residential units for that area. Doing so creates a planning framework that protects sensitive and vulnerable ecological and cultural zones. This approach also ensures that soft landscapes will be present amongst harder elements of development.

Threshold-guided plans for development are often of great interest to the local community, which may wish to see economic development and the creation of employment and wealth, but which also wants to protect other valued assets, such as access to green space, protection of historical sites and biodiversity hotspots.

A Common Language for Discourse

In many places where concern about the sustainability of golf development exists, the concepts of cumulative impact, carrying capacity, and threshold level can be used to help understand whether the concerns are legitimate or unfounded. Often people simply want to know that thoughtful consideration of environmental issues has guided the types and overall levels of economic and tourism development.

Within reason, the application of these concepts can help everyone generate an understanding of issues that need to be considered when seeking to evaluate sustainable levels of golf development.

The 2015 KLM Open is the venue for the launch of an ambitious project to unite the golf industry in its quest to increase participation in golf across the EU and promote golf to the next generation of young players.

The GoGolf Europe project will support five European countries – the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, Estonia, France and Portugal – in a three year initiative designed to test innovative new access pathways to golf for European youth while also documenting the unique health benefits which the sport can provide to all.

The new GoGolf Europe project has successfully secured co-funding from the European Commission under Erasmus+, the EU programme for Education, Training, Youth and Sport for 2014-2020.

Led by the European Golf Association (EGA), the project will unite the National Golf Governing Bodies of the five participating countries alongside the Confederation of Professional Golf, the European Observatoire of Sport and Employment and the University of St Andrews as the official research partner. Alongside the funding support from the European Union, co-financing will also be provided by the European Tour and the EGA.

The GoGolf Europe launch event at the Kennemer Golf and Country Club on Wednesday 9^th September will use the prestigious setting of the KLM Open to showcase the project. As the project aims to increase youth participation in golf, the launch will actively involve local children who will get a behind–the-scenes view of the European Tour championship venue and the chance to play golf and receive coaching with local professionals.

Richard Heath, General Secretary of the European Golf Association (EGA), the organisation leading the project, commented: “Europe has excellent capacity for golf with over 6,700 courses and some 7.9 million citizens already playing the sport. Nonetheless, we are facing significant challenges in effectively engaging young people to take up the sport and we are actively seeking innovative new solutions for growing youth participation”.

Florence Brugmans, youth coordinator of the Netherlands Golf Federation, stated: “We are delighted to host the launch of the GoGolf Europe project – increasing youth participation in golf is high on our agenda in the Netherlands. We think the GoGolf project can make a difference in enthusing youth for the sport. We are pleased to be part of a project that unites the entire golf sector in pursuit of this goal.”

Fredrik Lindgren, Head of Corporate Responsibility & Sustainability at the European Tour said: “The European Tour players were all inspired to start playing in their youth, and the European Ryder Cup team’s successes have led to innovative legacy programmes in the countries hosting The Ryder Cup, so we are proud to stand alongside our Golf Europe partners and further support the structured development of the sport in Europe with GoGolf.”

For more information, please contact the Golf Europe office: info@gogolfeurope.eu.

IMAGE CREDITS – Getty: Youngsters at the launch of GoGolf Europe at the KLM Open on Wednesday

The European Week of Sport (EWoS) aims to promote sport and physical activity across Europe. The Week is for everyone, regardless of age, background or fitness level. With a focus on grassroots initiatives, it will inspire Europeans to #BeActive on a regular basis and create opportunities in peoples’ everyday lives to exercise more.

Golf Europe is coordinating a variety of activities related to EWoS and the #BeActive campaign, including free lessons from PGA of Belgium Professionals in nets and on synthetic greens at The Square in Brussels as part of the European Commission’s multi-sport exhibition.

Along with this activity each of the days has a theme relating to the overall message of the week:

• Monday 7th – The week will be officially opened by the Commissioner for Sport, Tibor Navrascs, and EWoS ambassadors.
• Tuesday 8th – FOCUS DAY: Education.
• Wednesday 9th – FOCUS DAY: Social inclusion, and Flagship event.
• Thursday 10th – FOCUS DAY: Workplaces– inviting businesses to take part in a team putting competition.
• Friday 11th – FOCUS DAY: Outdoors.
• Saturday 12th – Club & fitness centre focus and the opportunity to communicate the benefits of joining a club such as members becoming more active, creating a social network, healthy living, and promoting an active and outdoor lifestyle.

There are a wide range of activities for various sports and activities taking place across Europe not just for the week but until the end of September 2015. EWoS will also return during September each year ensuring the message of promoting participation in sport and physical activity and the benefits of both continues in years to come.

For more information on the European Week of Sport and to find an event near you visit http://eur.pe/EuropeanWeekofSport

WHAT IS IT ABOUT?

The European Week of Sport is a new initiative of the European Commission to promote sport and physical activity across Europe. The Week will generate new activities and also build on already existing successful initiatives in the European, national, regional or local context. This European-wide campaign will inspire Euro- peans to #BeActive during the Week and encourage them to stay active all year long.

WHY ?

Sport and physical activity contribute substantially to the well- being of European citizens. However, the level of physical activity is currently stagnating and even declining in some countries. The European Week of Sport is a response to this challenge. The lack of physical activity not only has a negative impact on society and people’s health, but also results in economic costs. In addi- tion, sport has the potential to strengthen messages of tolerance and reinforce citizenship throughout Europe. Promoting the role of sport as a means of social inclusion will help address ongoing challenges in European society.

OBJECTIVE ?

The European Week of Sport aims at promoting participation in sport and physical activity and raising awareness about the numerous benefits of both. The Week is for everyone – regard- less of age, background or fitness level. It should bring together individuals, public authorities, the sport movement, civil society organisations and the private sector. Through the
focus on grassroots initiatives, the Week will in- spire Europeans to #BeActive on a regular basis and create opportunities in people’s everyday lives to exercise more.

WHEN?

The first European Week of Sport will take place from 7th to 13th of September 2015. For the first year, the participating coun- tries will have the opportunity to carry out activities and events at national level until the end of the month. The European Week of Sport is not designed as a one-off event. It will take place annually in September as from 2015.

HOW?

The European Week of Sport will be structured around 4 Focus Days, i.e. Education environment, Workplaces, Outdoors, Clubs & Fitness centres. A wide range of initiatives and activities will be organised around these settings at different levels (EU, national, local and regional level) and with the involvement of many actors. In Brussels, the European Commission will organise the open- ing of the Week with strong media involvement and a Flagship Event. The overarching campaign theme for the Week “#BeActive” should also become the reference framework for existing campaigns, events and activities throughout the year.

WHO?

The European Week of Sport is a European Commission-led ini- tiative. The implementation of the Week across Europe is largely decentralised and takes place in close cooperation with the national coordinators and with the many different partners who are firmly committed to support the Week. An Ambassador Team will also help implement the different promotional activities.

As the world’s best golfers compete in the 144th Open Championship in St Andrews this week, major organisations from the European golf sector have gathered with researchers at the University of St Andrews in an effort to better describe the health benefits of golf, and to explore ways to increase participation across the EU.

The new GoGolf Europe project has successfully secured co-funding from the European Commission under Erasmus+, the EU programme for Education, Training, Youth and Sport for 2014-2020. The project will unite five European countries – the Czech Republic, Estonia, France, the Netherlands and Portugal – in a three year initiative designed to test innovative new access pathways to golf for European youth while also documenting the unique health benefits which the sport can provide to all people.

Richard Heath, General Secretary of the European Golf Association (EGA), the organisation leading the project, commented: “Europe has excellent capacity for golf with over 6,700 courses and some 7.9 million citizens already playing the sport. Nonetheless, we are facing significant challenges in effectively engaging young people to take up the sport and we are actively seeking innovative new solutions for growing youth participation.”

In conjunction with the EGA, the project will unite the National Golf Governing Bodies of the five participating countries alongside the Confederation of Professional Golf, the European Observatoire of Sport and Employment and the University of St Andrews as the official research partner. Alongside the funding support from the European Union, co-financing will also be provided by the PGA European Tour and the EGA.

Dr Rehema M White, of the University of St Andrews’ Sustainable Development Department, said: “Europe is currently experiencing a crisis in physical inactivity and we are going to focus on showcasing and documenting the particular contributions which golf can make to overcoming these worrying trends. The GoGolf project unites an excellent group of partner organisations with real potential to deliver positive and impacting change for the industry and we are very much looking forward to collaborating and providing support from the research perspective over the next three years.”

Current rates of physical inactivity are worryingly high, as evidenced by the recently published 2014 Eurobarometer report on Sport and Physical Activity which found that:

• 59% of EU citizens never or seldom exercise or play sport at least once a week
• Almost three-quarters of EU citizens (74%) say that they are not members of any club, a 7% increase since 2009.

Alongside the GoGolf Europe project mobilisation meetings taking place during The Open in St Andrews this week, representatives from the University of St Andrews will also take part in further meetings concerning the growing global research agenda around the health and wellbeing benefits of golf participation. One such area of synergistic collaboration will be with scientists at the University of Edinburgh.

“Amongst all sports, golf offers a unique suite of health opportunities.- Dr White

Dr White continued: “Amongst all sports, golf offers a unique suite of health opportunities. The aim of our research is to help us understand how to encourage young people to take up sport in general, and golf in particular, to improve their health and wellbeing.

“In Scotland we are lucky enough to have an existing network of golf clubs and courses, providing a mix of facilities. Anyone can pick up a club and chase their ball across the windblown and sheep grazed Askernish Golf Course on the Isle of South Uist, or around the green fairways of well-established Banchory or on one of the many urban courses scattered across Glasgow and Edinburgh. Visitors are offered a diverse choice of facilities around the country. Perhaps best of all, golf has one of the broadest age brackets – from 8 to 80 years old.”

More information on the GoGolf Europe project can be obtained by contacting the EGA office at info@ega-golf.ch

The Europe 2020 strategy, which outlines the European Union’s vision for the 21st century, included sustainability as a key driver for economic growth and resource efficiency.  In this context, the GoGolf Europe project’s ambition to grow the sport of golf in a sustainable way is in line with, and contributes to realising, Europe’s 2020 vision.

The GoGolf research project is funded by the European Commission under Erasmus+, the EU programme for Education, Training, Youth and Sport for 2014-2020.  It will be implemented over three years.

The GoGolf project aligns with Golf Europe’s strategy to promote golf as a growing sport, valued as a force for good in European society.  Golf Europe is a group of Europe’s major golf stakeholders collaborating to develop the sport and enhance golf’s contribution to European society.

The European Golf Association (EGA) represents the sport of golf throughout Europe and works on behalf of 46 member countries and their respective National Golf Associations. Approximately 7.9 million European citizens play golf in an industry that contributes over €15.1 billion to the European economy.

In conjunction with the EGA, the project will unite the National Golf Governing Bodies of the five participating countries: the Czech Republic, France, Estonia, the Netherlands and Portugal, alongside the Confederation of Professional Golf, the European Observatoire of Sport and Employment and the University of St Andrews as the official research partner. In addition to the funding support from the European Union, co-financing will also be provided by the European Tour and the EGA.

Click here to download the ‘2014 Eurobarometer Report on Sport and Physical Activity’

For more information, please contact the Golf Europe office: info@ega-golf.ch

Le Golf National’s highlights of contributions for nature and people:

• 40 hectares – 30% of the site – are dedicated to grassland habitat and the area of unmaintained rough has increased to improve habitat connection.
• Significant reduction in maintained turfgrass areas to enhance shrubs, wetlands, and other natural areas critical to wildlife protection
• More than 50 beehives surrounded by planted wildflower areas
• Biological pest control and compost teas used on fairways
• Investment in water efficiency with new storage reservoir, irrigation system and sustainable drainage installation over the next two years
• Strong, mutually beneficial community links including long-term local business relationships
• A free practice facility for school students available during parts of the day
• Winners of the first Generali Trophees du Sport Responsable in the golf category of 2012
• Inclusive golf atmosphere that promotes golf for a wide range of players through a diverse offering of golf courses

Click here to view Le Golf National’s full GEO Certified® Report

Growing the sport of golf in an environmentally, socially and economically sustainable way, aligns with, and contributes to, realising Europe’s 2020 Vision that enables us to influence government and EU policies and create more positive perceptions of our sport.

More people playing more golf more often has a positive impact on its economic contribution, a healthier population, and as long as this is done in an environmentally-friendly manner, then it is easy to promote golf’s benefit to society.

Here are just a few figures from various sources that highlight these positives:

• Golf’s economic contribution to Europe is €15.1 billion
• The sport employs approximately 400,000 people across Europe
• There are proven health benefits such as golfers burning up to 800 calories per round, a reportedly 40% lower mortality rate and up to a five-year increase in life expectancy
• Up to 70% of a well managed golf course can be used as habitat creation for wildlife
• Golf courses, new or old, can enhance the local biodiversity of an area by providing a greater variety of habitats than intensively managed agricultural areas

There are a number of recent initiatives, such as Golf Europe’s ‘GoGolf!’ and the European Week of Sport, which are both about increasing participation in sport, and promoting the benefits of getting involved.

Further examples of the proactive steps being taken by golf can be seen through the work of GEO and the recent report on Ryder Cup’s Green Drive and how it has become one of the world’s leading sustainable events through a variety of activities that will really set the standards for events of any scale in the future.

The BMW PGA Championship is always a highlight on the European golf calendar and their environmental off-course work was hugely strong with their re-use initiative and the donation of materials to various projects and charities.

The PGA Championship week at Wentworth was also special for the Confederation of Professional Golf as we began the celebrations of our 25^th Anniversary year with a Business Club where we brought our Corporate Partners together under one roof. We take great pride in the longevity of many of our Partnerships and the loyalty that exists on both sides – a slightly different take on the word sustainable!

Maintaining social, economic and environmental sustainability in golf and in golf’s businesses is something that should be high on everyone’s priority list and it is important that we promote its understanding and impact as much as we can! We would be delighted to hear of any examples of sustainability – feel free to email them to aw@CPG.com.

This article originally featured in International Golf Pro News. Visit the IGPN Page to find out more and subscribe for free.