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

Jay Karen, CEO of the National Golf Course Owners Association, addresses economic and social sustainability from the viewpoint of an owner/operator.

Jay believes that there’s a fine balance between sustainable business practices and sustainability practices. He dissects the nuances one has to consider.

Golf course owners are expected to make golf more accessible. But are the same questions being asked of restaurateurs? Are they expected to lower the prices of their meals in the name of democratizing eating out? No!

Demand is off the charts right now. Everything is getting more expensive. Many golf courses need major improvements. Green fees will have to go up to cover these things. Jay shares how golf course owners and operators balance the financials and sustainability efforts in this wonderful conversation. 

• Jay’s career journey and current role as CEO at NGCOA [2:04]

• Lead Golf Together Summitt

• Connect on LinkedIn

• LinkedIn 

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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.

St. Andrews Links is the oldest—and most well-known—golf course in the world. Recognized as the “Home of Golf,” it’s existed for over 600 years. Today we have the privilege of speaking with Gordon McKie, the Greenkeeping Operations Manager. Gordon has been at St. Andrews Links in various roles for over 27 years. 

Every year, over 240,000 rounds of golf are played across their seven courses. In 1974, the golf course was handed over to be managed by the St. Andrews Links Trust. The trust is solely responsible for what happens on the golf courses, including sustainability initiatives. 

St. Andrews Links is an innovative leader in environmental practices and sustainability. They evaluated their energy use and immediately began to implement changes: Installing solar panels, changing out light bulbs, and moving to the use of electric mowers and vehicles. They’ll soon be invested in the latest irrigation technology to reduce water usage on the courses. 

One of the challenges they face as a coastal golf course is coastal erosion. The West Sands Project was launched to protect the Links from eventually going underwater. They also introduced the West Sands Rangers Service in 2022 to protect the natural habitat, including native birds and butterflies. 

Only eight greenkeepers have cared for the Old Course in between Old Man Morris and Gordon, which he feels is an honor and a privilege. Gordon is passionate about improving education opportunities for young greenkeepers and hopes he influences them to recognize the importance of sustainability and being environmentally friendly. 

• Gordon’s career progression at St. Andrews Links (00:01:15 – 00:03:30)

• Goron joined St. Andrews in 1995 as the Deputy Head Greenkeeper on the Eden course and worked there for 5 years before moving into the Head Greenkeeper role. 

• In 1974, the golf course was handed over to be managed by the St. Andrews Links Trust.

• Being the steward of Old Tom Morris’s famous work [00:08:18 – 00:11:42) 

• As only the 9th person to manage the turf, Gordon feels it’s a privilege to follow in the footsteps of Old Tom Morris, heralded as the first sustainable greenkeeper.

• The evolution of sustainability at St. Andrews Links (00:11:43 – 00:18:03) 

• St. Andrews Links is an innovative leader in environmental practices and sustainability to protect their heritage and history.

• After evaluating their energy usage, they installed solar panels, changed out light bulbs to LEDs and sensor lights, and are using more electric and hybrid lawnmowers and vehicles. 

• Goron hopes his legacy will influence the next generation to understand the importance of sustainability and being environmentally friendly. 

• St. Andrews Links

• Connect on LinkedIn

• LinkedIn 

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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.

“We all live downstream” is one of the mottos of Mr. Jonny Morris, the Founder and CEO of Bass Pro Shops. 

Bubba Wright lets this motto serve as the north star for everything he does as the Director of Agronomy at Big Cedar Lodge. 

Whether it's by reducing its footprint or providing habitats for wildlife, Big Cedar Lodge strives to leave everything better than they found it. They’re achieving this by using organic fertilizers, installing new water systems to conserve water, and making sure their courses are Audubon-certified.

Bubba shares his heart for conservation and passion for cultivating a strong culture in this conversation on the Golf Sustainability podcast. 

• Bubba’s career journey to his current role at Big Cedar Lodge [1:20–4:42] 

• The National Audubon Society

• Connect on LinkedIn

• LinkedIn 

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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.

The Path seeks to change kids’ lives while introducing them to the game of golf. So is it a community center or a golf course? It’s both! It was launched on the premise that every child deserves the chance to succeed in life and you can hear the motivating story from Dave Andrews, the Director of The Path at The Park West Palm Beach.

The Path has become the perfect blend of Dave’s passion and purpose, giving kids hope and inspiration. The goal was to take a kid who may not be on a good path and change their trajectory.

Listen to learn more about this awe-inspiring community program—including how to inspire community involvement or launch your own program.

Highlighted Topics Covered

• Vision for The Park West Palm project (03:31 - 08:19)

Resources

• The Park West Palm

Connect with Guest, Dave Andrews

• LinkedIn

Connect with Host, John Failla

• LinkedIn

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Aiming to reflect the diverse demographics of America in both participants and workforce of the golf industry is Sandy Cross, the Chief People Officer at the PGA of America. Sandy and host John explore groundbreaking programs like PGA Works, aimed at diversifying the golf industry workforce, and initiatives such as Make Golf Your Career and Make Golf Your Business, fostering diversity in career opportunities and supply chains.

Sandy also shares personal insights, including the transformative power of golf, her inspiration from her parents, and the challenges and triumphs of relocating the PGA of America during the pandemic.

Highlighted Topics Covered

• Framework for diversity and inclusion at PGA of America (04:01 - 07:00)

Resources 

• PGA of America

Connect with Guest, Sandy Cross

• LinkedIn

Connect with PGA of America

• PGA of America

Connect with Host, John Failla

• LinkedIn

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Here to explain how it’s possible to create an environmentally conscious golfing experience while enhancing safety and making the golf course more sustainable is Tom Coyne, Author and Owner of Sullivan County Golf Club, a 180-acre, nine-hole course in the Catskills.

Tom takes us through his significant course renovation including sodding the entire course using a mix of grass strains reflective of its century-long history. His commitment to responsible land management, combined with the use of organic inputs from partners like Toro and AquaTrols, sets the stage for low-impact golfing.

The episode is not just about revitalizing a golf course; it's about creating a haven where golfers, families, and food enthusiasts converge to enjoy a unique blend of history, natural beauty, and exceptional experiences.

Highlighted Topics Covered

• Differences in golf sustainability views between the U.S. and Europe  (03:00 - 08:00)

Resources

• Sullivan County Golf Club

Connect with Guests, Tom Coyne

• Linkedin

Connect with Host, John Failla

• LinkedIn

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Calling attention to the evolution of golf sustainability over the past 40 years is Frank LaVardera, the Director of Environmental Programs for Golf at Audubon International. Frank expresses a desire to be remembered as someone who cared deeply about the environment and fostered a user-friendly and collaborative approach in the golf industry.

During the interview, Frank delves into the intricacies of Audubon International’s Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program (ACSP), Signature Program, and Platinum Program, all designed to foster environmental sustainability in golf courses, emphasizing the importance of the Natural Resource Management Plan. He calls upon real-world examples of courses committed to sustainability and shares inspiring stories about environmental stewards like Jim Pavonetti.

Highlighted Topics Covered

• Overview of the ACSP, its six certification components, and a specific example of Saco Country Club's journey in implementing environmental practices (00:00 - 14:00)

Resources

• Audubon International

Connect with Guest, Frank LaVardera

• LinkedIn

Connect with Audubon International

• Audubon International 

Connect with Host, John Failla

• LinkedIn

Connect with Golf Sustainability on Social Media

• LinkedIn 

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Opportunities for more golf sustainability are presented by Kevin Sunderman, the Chief Operating Officer of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA). Kevin chats with host John about the journey to a greener, more sustainable future for the golf industry.

From his early days as a golf enthusiast in rural Ohio to his current influential role, Kevin's story is nothing short of inspiring. Join us as we delve into his passion for making a meaningful impact and sparking change in the golf community.

Topics Covered

• Kevin’s transition from being a golf course superintendent to COO at GCSAA and an overview of GCSAA's mission (00:00 - 08:00)

Resources

• Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA)

• GCSAA Golf Course Environmental Profile

• GCSAA Best Management Practices 

Connect with Guest, Kevin Sunderman

• LinkedIn

Connect with GCSAA 

• Golf Course Superintendents Association of America

Connect with Host, John Failla

• LinkedIn

Connect with Golf Sustainability on Social Media

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Exploring the world of off-course golf and its profound impact on the golf industry is Greg Nathan, the President and Chief Executive Officer of the National Golf Foundation (NGF). Greg explains the various facets of off-course golf, encompassing driving ranges, the exhilarating world of golf entertainment exemplified by Topgolf, and the cutting-edge realm of simulator golf. 

Greg presents data on the remarkable growth of off-course golf participation and underscores the pivotal role of off-course golf in making golf more accessible and enjoyable, particularly for newcomers and casual players. He accentuates the pressing need for traditional golf courses to evolve, embracing a more welcoming and inclusive approach that breaks down the barriers preventing newcomers from transitioning to on-course golf.

Highlighted Topics Covered

• Trends in off-course golf participation (00:00 - 18:00)

Resources

• National Golf Foundation (NGF)

Connect with Guest, Greg Nathan

LinkedIn

Connect with The National Golf Foundation 

• National Golf Foundation

Connect with Host, John Failla

• LinkedIn

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The challenges of sustainability in golf, the importance of site selection for new courses, and the need for customized environmental management plans are just some of the things Ron Dodson, a biologist and author, talks about in this episode.

The episode focuses on the significance of water conservation in the golf industry, highlighting the role of technology and new methodologies in addressing water use and wastewater treatment, and the economic aspect of sustainability and how it can become an economic opportunity rather than an expense.

This insightful discussion sheds light on the evolving landscape of golf sustainability and the importance of grassroots action to drive positive change in the industry.

Highlighted Topics Covered

• Reviewing what golf sustainability is (0:00 - 3:02)

Resources

• Ron Dodson

Connect with Guest, Ron Dodson 

• LinkedIn

Connect with The Dodson Group

• The Dodson Group

Connect with Host, John Failla

• LinkedIn

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