Golf courses worldwide are increasingly becoming environmental leaders. Implementing sustainable practices, they’re showcasing the sport’s positive impact on nature. Organizations like GCSAA and Audubon International are recognizing and promoting these efforts through awards and certifications, encouraging a movement towards more sustainable golf.

Golf courses worldwide are not just playing fields but active participants in environmental conservation. With the sport often criticized for its environmental impact, numerous courses are turning the tide by implementing sustainable practices that showcase golf’s potential as a steward of nature. Recognizing these efforts, organizations like the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) and Audubon International have been at the forefront, applauding and setting benchmarks for environmental excellence. Their awards and certifications encourage a movement towards more sustainable, wildlife-friendly, and conservation-minded golfing practices globally.

GCSAA Announces 2024 Environmental Leaders in Golf Award Recipients

In Lawrence, Kansas, the GCSAA, in partnership with a national golf publication and Syngenta, announced the winners of the 2024 Environmental Leaders in Golf Awards (ELGA). These awards spotlight the tireless efforts of superintendents committed to environmental stewardship. Four winners and eight runners-up were recognized, highlighting areas such as conservation, community outreach, and resource management. Notable among the awardees is Mark Claburn from Tierra Verde Golf Club in Arlington, Texas, known for his extensive community outreach and educational efforts.

Kevin Ackerman, a 25-year GCSAA member, was the Director of Agronomy at Royal Wood and Country Club in Naples, Fla., for 11 years before he recently took a job with FMC, an agricultural sciences company. He won the Innovative Conservation Award.

Jim Pavonetti, CGCS, is a 29-year member of GCSAA and has been the superintendent at Fairview Country Club for 16 years. He won the Natural Resource Conservation Award. Pavonetti was the 2023 ELGA Innovative Conservation Award recipient and was the first runner-up for the 2018 and 2019 Natural Resource Awards and the 2021 and 2022 Innovative Conservation Awards.

“We are always proud to recognize the environmental leaders in our industry who are committed to keeping golf sustainable,” said GCSAA CEO Rhett Evans. “Not only do golf course superintendents practice environmental stewardship every day, but they do so while providing enjoyable playing conditions.”

Audubon International Wins Green Apple Award for Environmental Practices

Audubon International has recently been honored with the Green Apple Award for Environmental Practice in Education & Training by The Green Organisation. This recognition underscores their role in fostering significant environmental educational initiatives and their impact through various certification programs. These programs are designed to enhance sustainability across different platforms, including golf courses, businesses, and communities, globally.

“This is a truly great honor for our organization, members, and certified partners,” said Audubon International CEO Christine Kane. “It puts an important spotlight on our vetted, third-party certification programs, all of which strongly emphasize education and training as part of their rigorous standards. We are humbled to be included in such respected company. This recognition will help us keep expanding our mission internationally.”

Solmar Golf Links Recognized for Environmental Excellence

In Los Cabos, Mexico, Solmar Golf Links stands out as a pioneer in environmental stewardship within the golf community. As the first club in the region to earn the Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary status, it continues to lead by example with its sustainable practices. The club’s efforts are highlighted by its conservation of native landscapes, water management, and minimal chemical usage, maintaining harmony with the natural beauty of its location.

“We are very proud to be a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary, and especially proud that we’re the first club in Los Cabos to earn this environmental citation,” said Nubia Sarabia, Director of Golf. “Greg Norman and his team designed a versatile course that treads very lightly on nature’s toes. Earthmoving was kept to an absolute minimum during construction. From start to finish, the layout looks like it was extruded by the landscape, not built on top of it.”

These collective initiatives across different regions and their recognition by prestigious awards not only enhance the ecological footprints of golf courses but also demonstrate the sport’s potential to contribute positively to global environmental goals.