Golf Sustainability | Environmental Solutions to Keep the Game of Golf Sustainable for Future Golfers

Golf Ireland is not easing into sustainability, it is building a national framework around it. With 376 affiliated clubs, over 236,000 registered members, and major events including the Open at Royal Portrush, the Amgen Irish Open, and the upcoming Ryder Cup in Adare, the governing body for golf across Ireland has both scale and influence.

In this episode of the Golf Sustainability Podcast, Golf Ireland’s Head of Sustainability, Anne Courtney and sustainability consultant Gráinne Kelleher outline how a blank canvas turned into one of the most comprehensive governing body sustainability programs in the sport. From biodiversity audits and pesticide tracking to decarbonization strategy and GEO certification, “Driving the Green” is structured, measurable, and designed to scale.

[07:30] How Golf Ireland built a sustainability strategy from scratch

When Anne stepped into the role just over two years ago, there was no pre existing sustainability blueprint. The first phase was listening, meeting stakeholders, understanding club realities, and identifying early adopters. From that research came a standalone sustainability strategy called Driving the Green, launched nationally in March 2024.

Rather than attempt to manage every specialty internally, Golf Ireland assembled a team of experts covering ecology, decarbonization, waste, funding, and certification. The program was structured around four pillars, fostering nature, conserving resources, strengthening communities, and tackling climate action.

The approach is practical. Biodiversity audits now provide clubs with five to ten year ecological roadmaps. A digital pesticide logging portal ensures compliance with new national regulations. Energy audits, delivered in partnership with Sustainable Energy Ireland, establish baselines and funding pathways for renewable transitions.

The philosophy is simple, let the figures do the talking. One club reduced energy costs from approximately 100,000 to 25,000 annually through retrofitting and renewable investment. Financial sustainability and environmental sustainability are positioned as aligned, not competing priorities.

A strategy is only as strong as its adoption. Golf Ireland focused early on engagement, offering free and impartial support to affiliated clubs. Within twelve months, 27 percent of clubs were actively participating in the program.

The work reaches beyond boards and managers. Greenkeepers play a central role, particularly in biodiversity and turf management practices. Volunteer involvement has grown significantly, including one club with 50 volunteers dedicated to biodiversity initiatives alone.

Certification through GEO Foundation’s OnCourse portal has provided structure and continuity. The platform centralizes documentation, supports benchmarking, and strengthens Ireland’s position as a sustainable golf destination for international tourism and corporate events.

Water stewardship, even in a country known for rainfall, has emerged as a priority. Clubs are investing in rainwater harvesting and storage systems to achieve seasonal self sufficiency. Coastal erosion challenges, particularly for links courses, are being addressed in collaboration with The R and A.

While early progress centered on awareness and participation, the next stage is action and measurable impact. Sixty eight pilot projects are currently underway across clubs, with a growing emphasis on data collection to inform national decision making.

Decarbonization remains a major opportunity. Government incentives have accelerated renewable adoption, though upfront capital remains a barrier for some clubs. Creative financing solutions and low cost funding models are under exploration.

Golf Ireland’s long term ambition is clear, to position golf as a leader within sustainable sport. By prioritizing credible data, cross sector collaboration, and practical implementation, the organization aims to deliver measurable environmental outcomes while strengthening financial resilience across clubs.

If sustainability is a team sport, Driving the Green is proving that coordinated leadership at the national level can accelerate change at scale.

Water sits at the center of golf’s sustainability conversation. In many regions of the world, it is no longer simply a resource to manage, but a responsibility to steward carefully. Modern golf course architecture increasingly reflects this reality, with efficient irrigation systems, precise targeting of playable areas, and a commitment to reducing unnecessary inputs.

Yet sustainability extends beyond water. True environmental responsibility begins in the routing and shaping of the land itself. By limiting earth movement, preserving natural contours, and relying on materials already found onsite, architects can significantly reduce environmental disruption while enhancing authenticity. In many respects, this approach mirrors the philosophy of early designers who lacked today’s heavy machinery and were forced to work with the landscape rather than against it.

The modern sustainability movement, in many ways, represents a return to golf’s architectural roots. By respecting the land, minimizing disturbance, and designing with intention, firms like Mackenzie & Ebert continue to shape courses that honor both the game and the landscape on which it is played.

Sustainability in sport is no longer about isolated initiatives or one-off wins. It is about leadership, collaboration, and building systems that others can follow. In this episode of the Golf Sustainability Podcast, John Fahey reconnects with Maria Grandinetti Milton, Director of Sustainability for the DP World Tour, to explore how sustainability programs mature, scale, and begin to influence an entire ecosystem.

Maria shares updates on several major initiatives that have taken shape since their last conversation, including the rollout of the DP World Tour Championship Charter, the expansion of the Global Sustainability Awards, and the launch of sustainability forums in Scotland and Ireland. Together, these programs reveal a deliberate strategy focused not just on improving individual events, but on empowering partners, suppliers, federations, and governments to move forward together.

The conversation also looks ahead. Maria explains why the DP World Tour became the first professional golf tour to sign the United Nations Sports for Nature initiative, how storytelling around nature can deepen fan engagement, and why the next phase of sustainability leadership is about scaling impact while continuing to learn along the way.

[00:00] Sustainability as a journey and why leadership requires constant learning

One of the central updates in this episode is the launch of the DP World Tour Championship Charter. Designed as a practical guide for staging events sustainably, the charter breaks sustainability down into clear, accessible steps across areas like water, waste, transport, and logistics. Rather than overwhelming promoters or operators, it offers entry-level actions, more advanced practices, and examples of best-in-class execution.

Maria explains that the charter serves both internal teams and external partners. With more than 40 events across 25 countries, consistency is challenging, but shared principles provide a foundation. The charter creates alignment, lowers barriers to entry, and sets expectations for how sustainability is embedded across global championships.

Recognition plays a powerful role in driving behavior change. Maria shares how the DP World Tour’s Global Sustainability Awards have grown from a regional initiative into a global program spanning Europe, the Middle East, and the rest of the world. The awards highlight excellence across categories such as innovation, technology, catering, venues, and operations.

By celebrating suppliers and partners who lead the way, the program creates positive momentum. Winners become case studies, role models, and inspiration for others across the tour’s extensive supplier network. The focus is not just on competition, but on sharing best practices that can be replicated and scaled.

Another major development is the launch of sustainability forums in Scotland and Ireland. These events bring together national federations, government stakeholders, local golf clubs, and the professional game to discuss shared challenges and solutions. Topics range from climate resilience and biodiversity to community impact and land use.

Maria describes these forums as moments of triangulation, where collaboration unlocks progress that no single group could achieve alone. By leveraging the visibility of professional golf, the DP World Tour helps create space for meaningful dialogue and practical problem solving at a regional level.

Looking ahead, Maria explains why joining the United Nations Sports for Nature initiative was a natural next step. Golf is inseparable from the natural environments in which it is played, and protecting those environments is both a responsibility and an opportunity. From peacocks in India to wildlife on Scottish links courses, nature offers powerful stories that can deepen fan connection and inspire future generations.

As the DP World Tour updates its sustainability strategy, the focus is shifting toward clearer targets, scalable solutions, and broader alignment across the global tour. The goal is not perfection, but progress, guided by leadership, collaboration, and a willingness to keep learning.

DP World Tour

Maria Grandinetti Milton

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Golf courses aren’t just places to play, they’re living ecosystems. And few places demonstrate that better than the Wentworth Club in Surrey, England.

In this on-site minisode of the Golf Sustainability Podcast, John sits down with Daniel Clarke, Courses and Grounds Manager at Wentworth, to explore how one of the world’s most prestigious clubs is redefining what sustainable golf looks like.

For over eight years, Daniel has overseen Wentworth’s three championship courses and new golf academy. During that time, he led an ambitious transformation, one that replaced outdated practices with forward-thinking stewardship of land, water, and wildlife.

From re-establishing heather and reducing managed turf, to deploying autonomous mowers and electric equipment, the Wentworth team is proving that great golf and great environmental performance can go hand in hand.

Thank you for listening to the Golf Sustainability podcast. If you found this episode interesting, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review! For more insights and updates on sustainable energy solutions, visit our website and follow us on social media.

Many golf courses pride themselves on their lush landscapes, but few stop to consider the unseen challenges of maintaining them—especially on remote islands. In this episode, we dive into the unexpected realities of water management at one of the world’s most stunning new golf resorts, Cabot St. Lucia. Without easy access to freshwater, maintaining fairways and greens becomes a surprisingly complex and costly endeavor, revealing a hidden problem that many golf operations face without even realizing it.

As director of agronomy Damon Di Giorgio explains, water scarcity isn't just a looming environmental issue—it’s a daily operational reality that demands creative solutions. From reverse osmosis desalination systems to microclimate-specific management strategies, Damon and his team must be meticulous with every drop. Listeners will come to appreciate how standard practices elsewhere would spell disaster in a setting like St. Lucia—and why sustainable resource management isn’t a bonus, but a necessity.

By the end of the conversation, you'll see how Cabot St. Lucia isn’t just surviving these challenges—they're setting a new standard for eco-conscious, cost-effective golf course management. Through innovative partnerships, on-site nurseries, and precision agronomy practices, the team at Cabot demonstrates that environmental sustainability and financial sustainability can—and must—go hand-in-hand for the future of golf.

(0:00) Damon’s intro and Cabot St. Lucia

(04:20) Damon’s agronomy leadership

(06:54) Defining sustainability locally

(08:53) Island operations challenges

(12:22) Big sustainability projects

(20:44) Key partnerships advancing sustainability

(27:10) Future vision and tech innovation

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Thank you for listening to the Golf Sustainability podcast. If you found this episode interesting, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review! For more insights and updates on sustainable energy solutions, visit our website and follow us on social media.

What if the next big movement in golf wasn’t happening on the course, but in a dark room with a screen and a sensor? In this episode, we explore the future of the game through the lens of indoor golf — a trend that’s already transformed the sport in South Korea and is poised to do the same in North America. Most golfers still think of simulators as a niche tech gimmick or a winter-time alternative. But for millions of new players in Asia, they’re the starting point — and, increasingly, the standard.

Sean Pyun, President & CEO of GOLFZON America, joins the show to break down how Korea built an entire golf ecosystem indoors — complete with leagues, tournaments, retail stores, and even its own network of green grass courses. It’s not just about simulation accuracy; it’s about accessibility, inclusivity, and rethinking how and where people engage with the game. If you’ve never considered indoor golf a serious part of the sport’s future, this conversation will change that. 

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Most people don’t think twice about the public golf courses in their city—until they start disappearing. Across the country, historic municipal courses have been neglected for decades, leaving behind a patchwork of underfunded, undermaintained spaces that struggle to serve their communities. But there’s a shift happening, and it’s reshaping the future of the game.

Will Smith, co-founder of the National Links Trust, has been at the center of that shift. He and his team took on the ambitious task of restoring three historic municipal courses in Washington, D.C., securing a 50-year lease and enlisting some of the best architects in the game. These aren’t just renovations; they’re a rethinking of what public golf can be. With a focus on accessibility, sustainability, and financial viability, the work being done is proving that municipal courses don’t have to be stuck in a cycle of decline.

The way forward for public golf isn’t just about fixing tee boxes and bunkers—it’s about creating spaces that truly serve their communities. The changes happening in D.C. offer a roadmap for how cities everywhere can reclaim their public courses and make the game more welcoming for generations to come. 

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Golf is at a pivotal moment, where the traditions of the game intersect with the pressing need to care for the environment in which we play. Today, I’m speaking with Eleanor Brown, Director of Sustainability at Southworth Development, whose work is charting a new course for the industry. Her role is not just groundbreaking—it’s essential. As one of the first leaders of sustainability in golf, she’s shaping practices that balance environmental stewardship with the high standards of luxury golf communities.

Eleanor’s journey is inspiring, beginning with her background in environmental law and evolving into a role where she applies those principles in a practical, business-focused way. Her work spans everything from introducing renewable energy solutions to eliminating single-use plastics, all while considering the unique challenges and opportunities presented by Southworth’s properties, which range from Cape Cod to the Bahamas.

This conversation is about what it takes to turn ideals into action. It’s a look at how golf can honor its connection to nature while adapting to the challenges of a changing world. Whether you’re deeply involved in the sport or just passionate about sustainability, there are lessons here for everyone. Let’s hear how Eleanor is leading by example.

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What if the key to the future of golf was hidden in how a course manages its water? For Matteo Serena, Senior Manager of Irrigation Research and Services at the USGA, this question drives his work every day. From native grasses to advanced irrigation systems, Matteo is exploring how courses can use less water without sacrificing playability.

With a career spanning research in Italy and the arid Southwest of the United States, Matteo combines a passion for innovation with a deep understanding of turfgrass science. His work with the USGA’s 15-30-45 initiative is transforming how courses think about their most critical resource, offering practical solutions that are already making an impact.

Matteo’s journey, from academic research to applying those findings on real courses, is a testament to his commitment to the game. By working with superintendents, researchers, and course managers, he’s helping golf courses thrive while using smarter approaches to resource management.

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How can 150 acres of urban public green space benefit a community beyond recreational access? How can a golf course address stormwater runoff and pollution issues, improve water quality, revitalize habitats, and improve biodiversity? 

How can it create partnerships and programs with other nonprofits to improve access and inclusion for underrepresented populations (while keeping the game affordable for all)?

Andrew Szunyog has dedicated his career to improving the relationship between the game of golf and its surrounding communities. Municipal golf courses are becoming community centers to facilitate a healthy environment and places for people to go. 

As the Director of Sustainability at National Links Trust, he’s laid out the most comprehensive framework for sustainability at a golf course that I’ve ever heard. His report outlines four buckets addressing emissions and runoffs, resource efficiency, waste management, and community and environmental stewardship.

• Andrew’s career journey to the Director of Sustainability at National Links Trust [1:39]

• • After graduating from the University of Florida in 2003 with a degree in Business and Sports Management, Andrew got a minimum-wage job at a local course working in outside operations. He quickly learned he wanted to spend his life in golf.

• The origin, purpose, and mission of the National Links Trust [00:26:19] 

• • The National Links Trust is a 501C3 non-profit organization that has a 50-year lease with the National Park Service to manage the three public golf courses in D.C. 

• Developing a sustainability report for the National Links Trust [00:30:17] 

• • Andrew is writing a sustainability report and created frameworks to address the impact of their operations, how they will address root causes, and rebuild with sustainability in mind.

• What’s motivating the reinvention of municipal golf courses [00:44:40] 

• • Their mission is to show the value that municipal courses have as community assets. These places are entry points for well over half of people who play golf. 

• What drives Andrew to make a difference in golf sustainability [00:50:18] 

• • Andrew strives to ensure that the game of golf continues for future generations, remaining affordable, accessible, and sustainable. 

• The Greatest Game Ever Played

• National Links Trust

• LinkedIn 

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• Apple Podcast 

Note: Timestamps provided are approximate.

Thank you for listening to the Golf Sustainability podcast. If you found this episode interesting, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review! For more insights and updates on sustainable energy solutions, visit our website and follow us on social media.