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

What if the game of golf could truly embrace its origins as a sport for everyone? Today I have the pleasure of sitting down with Russell Smith of Golf It! to uncover how this groundbreaking facility in Glasgow, Scotland, is redefining golf’s accessibility and inclusivity. 

Golf It! is a bold and innovative concept backed by the Royal & Ancient Golf Club (R&A), and it challenges stereotypes while creating a welcoming pathway into the game for families, lapsed golfers, and time-starved players alike.

Golf It! is breaking traditional rules to foster community connections, breathe new life into an underutilized space, and make golf accessible to all ages and abilities. 

From creating adventure golf courses inspired by children’s ideas to embedding accessibility into every facet of their operations, Golf It! has become much more than a sports venue—it’s a vibrant community hub transforming how people engage with golf.

Whether you’re passionate about sustainability, intrigued by the intersection of sport and social impact, or simply curious about the future of golf, this episode is packed with inspiration. 

From partnerships with global brands to programs for schools and individuals with disabilities, Golf It! sets a new benchmark for how golf can thrive for generations to come. 

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The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) plays a hugely important role in shaping the future of golf, and few people embody its mission like Rhett Evans. As CEO for over 15 years, Rhett has become the voice for the 20,000 members who manage and care for millions of acres of green space across the country. His leadership isn’t just about turf management—it’s about creating a sustainable future for the game we all love.

Rhett brings a fascinating perspective, shaped by experiences that range from managing NBA franchises to scaling Mount Everest. His journey reflects a rare combination of vision and grit. The conversation touches on the incredible potential of golf to be a force for environmental good and the vital work GCSAA is doing to support superintendents in balancing playability with sustainability.

From innovative education programs like First Green, which turns golf courses into outdoor classrooms, to best management practices that are raising standards nationwide, Rhett shares how golf can lead the way in environmental stewardship. His passion for the game and commitment to advancing its future leave no doubt about the importance of this work.

If there’s one takeaway, it’s this: golf isn’t just a sport. It’s a community, a classroom, and a proving ground for environmental innovation. Rhett’s leadership is ensuring it remains all those things and more for generations to come.

Lessons from Mount Everest and the Pursuit of Excellence [31:17]

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Sustainability in golf is no longer just a buzzword; it’s becoming a defining principle for the future of the sport. As challenges around resources and environmental impact grow, leaders in the industry are stepping forward with innovative approaches. Among them is David Robinson, Senior Director of Golf Grounds at Marriott International, who oversees a global portfolio of over 50 courses and has a unique perspective on how to balance tradition, performance, and responsibility.

David brings decades of expertise in agronomy and a visionary mindset to his role. He’s driven by a belief that the courses we enjoy today should be left in even better condition for future generations. His work emphasizes efficiency, creativity, and technology to address modern challenges in ways that make sense for both the environment and the bottom line.

This conversation highlights Marriott Golf’s proactive initiatives, from smarter water use to reducing inputs like chemicals and energy. David explores how innovative irrigation systems, turfgrass advancements, and automation are creating more sustainable, cost-effective, and reliable outcomes. His perspective shows how practical solutions can yield lasting benefits.

David’s leadership is a reminder that sustainability isn’t about compromise; it’s about opportunity. By focusing on smarter, data-driven practices and working with top partners in the industry, he’s helping shape a future for golf that’s both responsible and exciting, one decision at a time.

LinkedIn: David Robinson

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Golf is a game deeply connected to nature, and its future depends on how well we care for the environment. Maria Grandinetti Milton, Director of Sustainability for the DP World Tour, is at the forefront of this mission, setting a remarkable example for the sports world. Her work spans global events, innovative environmental practices, and efforts to make golf more inclusive and community-focused.

Maria leads the Green Drive initiative, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in sustainability. From using hydrogen-powered broadcasts to developing programs that help fans and players track and offset their carbon footprints, her efforts show what leadership looks like in a complex global sport. Recognized with the prestigious Transformation Award, her work demonstrates the impact of commitment and creativity.

With 44 tournaments across 24 countries, the DP World Tour presents unique challenges—and opportunities. Under Maria’s guidance, sustainability isn’t just about reducing emissions but also about creating lasting positive impacts for communities and the natural world. Her story is a powerful example of how sports can inspire meaningful change. 

Setting the Stage for Sustainability [00:00]

Maria’s Career Journey and Role [02:00]

Golf for Good: A Holistic Sustainability Approach [07:00]

Green Drive and the Transformation Award [11:50]

Tackling Fan and Player Emissions [26:00]

Suppliers and Partnerships in Sustainability [33:00]

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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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Golf has always been seen as an exclusive sport, shaped by factors like climate, cost, and tradition. But what if it could be more accessible while still honoring its roots? That’s the vision of Don Rea, Vice President and soon-to-be President of the PGA of America. 

He is on a mission to broaden access and deepen the sport’s impact without losing what makes golf unique. From an unconventional start as a minor league umpire to leading one of the most influential organizations in golf, Don’s story is one of passion, resilience, and a deep commitment to change.

Don brings an energetic approach to growing the game, emphasizing public golf, youth development, and expanding access to underserved communities. He’s helped shape programs like PGA REACH, which not only introduce new people to the sport but also address broader social issues, from veteran reintegration to workforce diversity. 

His ideas around leveraging technology, public-private partnerships, and a renewed focus on mentorship offer a fresh take on what it means to make golf truly sustainable—financially, socially, and environmentally.

Whether you’re a golf enthusiast, an industry professional, or simply curious about the future of the sport, Don’s insights offer a powerful look at how golf can be more than just a game. It's about community, opportunity, and driving real change. This conversation is packed with stories, strategies, and plenty of inspiration for how the game we love can serve as an "engine for good." 

• • • Don begins by sharing his unique career path, from professional umpiring to becoming a PGA pro and golf course owner.

• • • Don outlines PGA REACH’s key initiatives, including programs for veterans (PGA HOPE), juniors (PGA Junior League), and workforce diversity (PGA Works).

• • • Don identifies challenges in translating national programs into local impact, given the differences across 41 PGA sections.

• • • Don dives into the potential of municipal golf courses as engines for broader access, citing successful examples like the park at West Palm.

• • • Don shares how Augusta Ranch Golf Club’s integration of Toptracer technology quadrupled range revenue and increased engagement.

• • Don talks about his dedication to mentoring the next generation of PGA professionals, emphasizing that relationship-building is key to sustainable growth.

• PGA REACH

• Don Rea - LinkedIn profile

• LinkedIn 

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Jonathan Smith is the founder and Executive Director of the GEO Foundation for Sustainable Golf and one of the foremost authorities on golf sustainability in the world. His foundation focuses on creating a symbiotic relationship with strategic partners to help golf clubs, architects, and individual tournaments reach their sustainability goals. 

The majority of golf facilities need to know how sustainability benefits the business and the steps they can take to unlock those benefits efficiently and effectively. However, there are numerous areas in which someone can start with sustainability efforts, which can be challenging and overwhelming. The GEO Foundation seeks to hone that pathway for its members. 

The more you lean into environmental issues, and the more proactive you are, the more you bring it into contact with your community, the more money you’ll save. You’ll make wiser long-term investments. You’ll generate more access to funding and sponsorships from local businesses. 

Topics covered:

• Jonathan’s career journey and the origin of the GEO Foundation [1:28] 

• The Sustainable Golf Pledge

• Connect on LinkedIn

• LinkedIn 

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What if golf courses were more than just places to tee off? In this episode of The Golf Sustainability Podcast, I sit down with Brian Horgan, chairperson of Michigan State University’s Department of Plant, Soil, and Microbial Sciences, to dive into a fascinating new perspective on golf. With over 20 years in research and academia, Brian has been at the forefront of redefining golf courses as essential green spaces with real environmental and social impact.

We explore how golf courses can go beyond leisure to contribute to urban cooling, carbon sequestration, water management, and biodiversity. Brian shares his insights on the future of municipal courses—how they can evolve into thriving community hubs and play a critical role in sustainable urban planning.

Whether you're passionate about golf sustainability, urban development, or reimagining public spaces, Brian’s research offers a fresh look at how these often-overlooked landscapes can benefit both people and the planet. Don't miss this thought-provoking discussion on building a more sustainable future through golf.

• [1:10] Brian Horgan's Journey to Research and Academia 

• USGA (United States Golf Association)

• Brian Horgan, Michigan State University Profile

• LinkedIn 

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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.

Why wouldn’t the PGA Tour help lead the charge in golf sustainability? I’m joined by Brazos Barber, the Director of Sustainability for the PGA Tour for his insights in sustainable golf and the PGA Tour. As golf faces growing environmental challenges, Brazos shares his personal journey with me: leading sustainability efforts within one of the world’s largest sporting organizations. 

His work has quietly but powerfully transformed sustainability initiatives at both PGA Tour events and TPC (Tournament Players Club) golf courses across the country.

We talk a lot about exactly how the PGA Tour is taking meaningful strides toward environmental responsibility, with the WM Phoenix Open serving as the gold standard for zero-waste events. 

Brazos shares the bigger goal of integrating sustainability into the DNA of all PGA Tour operations while highlighting the tour’s approach to climate action, nature promotion, and sustainable partnerships. 

From water conservation to reducing tournament emissions, this episode offers a detailed look at the work happening behind the scenes that could help reshape the future of golf. 

• Opening and Introduction to Sustainability at the PGA Tour [00:00] 

• WM Phoenix Open

• PGA TOUR Sustainability

• LinkedIn 

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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.

As the Director of Agronomy at Hillcrest Country Club, Matt Muhlenbruch fully embraces leveraging technology to make the game of golf more sustainable. His approach is well-researched so he’s only implementing tools and technologies that will drive sustainable golf forward. 

Ultimately, the technology he adopts has to bring meaningful and measurable advantages to the operation, or time and money are spent learning new software every few weeks. Matt thoughtfully incorporates each piece, from a new irrigation system to ground sensors, GPS-based turf sprayers to electric mowers. 

Each precise application brings them one step closer to their sustainability goals. Matt shares more about his process at Hillcrest in this thought-provoking episode of Golf Sustainability. 

• Matt’s career journey and current role at Hillcrest Country Club [1:22]

• What does golf sustainability Look like at Hillcrest Country Club? [7:18] 

• The stringent regulations in California for golf course management [10:07] 

• • The impact of technology on sustainability [15:46] 

• Matt’s experience collaborating with partners like Rainbird and Toro [28:00] 

• The technologies that Matt is excited to test next [33:54] 

• What drives Matt? [37:22] 

• Toro

• Connect on LinkedIn

• LinkedIn 

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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.