In the latest episode of the Growing Golf podcast, we welcome Jonathan Smith, Founder and Executive Director of the GEO Foundation for Sustainable Golf.

Jonathan’s journey in golf began at a young age, where he experienced firsthand how the game could positively impact mental, physical, and social well-being. After later earning a degree in Geography and Sustainable Development from the University of St Andrews, Jonathan’s commitment to golf’s sustainability mission took root.

Today, Jonathan and the GEO Foundation are one of the only global organisations solely dedicated to the mission to inspire, support and reward credible sustainability action and to strengthen and promote golf’s social and environmental value.

Jonathan believes golf courses have a unique role in promoting nature restoration, improving resource efficiency, cutting carbon emissions, and creating social value. He calls on golf clubs to act now, warning that failure to do so could threaten long-term success.

"You've got to go out there and tell people what you're doing, what your commitments are, what your actions are and what results you're generating," says Smith.

Speaking to host Gary Firkins, Smith also addresses the perception that sustainability is costly for many clubs. He notes that by tapping into GEO Foundation's free OnCourse program, they can find a range of no-cost, low-cost and cost-saving solutions to get started.

He also highlights potential for grant funding or public and private partnerships if clubs can align their sustainability goals with those of their community.

"The biggest success we see with clubs is where they make sustainability integral to their overall decision-making," he added.

Tune in to learn more about Jonathan’s journey into the industry, and how golf clubs can successfully balance the needs of people, planet and profit.

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Useful links:

GEO Foundation for Sustainable Golf: https://sustainable.golf/

Golf & Social Media: Sustainability: https://www.syngentagolf.com/sites/g/files/kgtney646/files/media/document/2023/06/27/Golf%2BSocial%20Media%20Sustainability%20%281%29_0.pdf

Follow our guest:

Connect with Jonathan Smith on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-smith-52408414/

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