Stories, ideas and solutions to create a more fun, inclusive and regenerative world in and around golf
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The Business Case for Certification in Sustainable Golf
In a world of many labels, certifications, and titles for sustainability, GEO Certification is the internationally recognized standard for sustainable golf.
GEO Foundation is dedicated to advancing sustainability in and through the sport of golf. The Foundation offers a number of programs and tools covering all aspects of sustainability, including guidance and highlights of industry best practice, sustainability reporting with data-driven insights, and a global certification program with credible claims and recognition. The following article outlines ten reasons why this certification is also great for business.
Sustainability Spotlight: Goats at Rock Creek Park Golf
National Links Trust enlists the help of a herd of 40 goats to consume nearly 2 acres of invasive vegetation at Rock Creek Park Golf in NW Washington, DC. This project provided the organization and the local National Park Service staff with a new Integrated Pest Management System that was not only an extremely effective tool for managing invasive species but an engaging way to educate people about one of the most abundant environmental issues plaguing our natural ecosystems.
Golf v. Public: A Case of Degenerative Golf Development at Jonathan Dickinson State Park
Jack Nicklaus said that 90% of a golf shot happens before you ever swing the club. Recent news saw the equivalent of a failed setup for public golf development in South Florida…
Olympic Spotlight: Le Golf National - How This Premier French Golf Club Leads Eco-Responsibility (Ahead of Regulations)
Le Golf National, located in the southwestern suburbs of Paris, hosted the 2018 Ryder Cup and also hosts the French Open annually on its Albatros Champions Course. Le Golf National is not only a renowned golf club in France, but it also walks the walks when it comes to sustainability. This comes as no surprise given how dedicated the International Olympic Committee (IOC) was to making the 2024 Paris Olympics the most sustainable yet.
The Past Century of Sustainable Development → How Golf Leads its Next Century
Golf is uniquely poised to lead sustainable development (and even human development) for the next century and beyond. This field of sustainability has been around for just under a century, believe it or not (while golf has been around for nearly five times that span!)…
Sustainability at Scale through Balanced pH
ECO2MIX is a safe & sustainable water pH management alternative for golf courses. Healthy turfgrass relies upon having lots of water, but the quality of that water is as important as the quantity of water. For optimal turf conditions, soil and irrigation systems must have balanced (or slightly acidic) pH, and ECO2MIX offers a carbonic acid solution that costs between 20-40% less than sulfuric acid alternatives.
Becoming a Sustainability Champion
This article highlights a few guiding principles that golf club managers and superintendents as well as others in the industry should consider when discussing their sustainability efforts.
Golf as an Integral Community Space
Providing equity-focused, eco-driven, and exceptional golf is the mission of Corica Park Golf Course (municipal golf course for the City of Alameda just outside of Oakland, CA). Andre connected with Tamara Sabella, Director of Community Engagement for Greenway Golf, to discuss how golf plays a role in leading the integration of urban communities.
Systems Thinking: The Golf Course as a Living Bio-Filter
North Shore Country Club demonstrates that for a golf course, preservation need not detract from playability, prestige, and profitability. A fully conscious approach may even enhance all of the above. For Dan Dinelli, “multi-functionality” simply means understanding the land of a golf course and the many ways that it can provide value. Such an approach allows the facility to create value in multiple areas: economics, agronomy, ecology, and community – creating a “win, win, win, win”.
What is a climate resilient golf course?
A climate resilient golf course is one that sees the opportunities for community leadership and takes the initiative to explore ways to implement many of the types of projects listed above. Andrew discusses his takeaways from a regional climate resiliency summit hosted by the Mid-Atlantic Region of National Parks Conservation Association.