Finalists of Golf Environment Awards 2024 revealed

Golf is enjoyed by millions across the globe and with almost 40,000 golf courses worldwide, the industry has an important part to play in protecting the environment.

Since the launch of the Golf Environment Awards (GEAs) in 1995, the aim has been to recognise, reward and promote outstanding individuals and golf courses, no matter how big or small, for the time and effort they have put into protecting and preserving their unique surroundings. 

With the ever-increasing spotlight on environmental matters, many golf courses are achieving an increase in habitat varieties, improving playing experiences for golfers, and providing a positive contribution to wildlife and the communities in which their members live and work which needs to be celebrated.   

Richard Stuttard, director of STRI Group, which hosts the awards, said: “We’re so impressed that after 28 years we continue to receive an incredible number of submissions from golf clubs across the UK and internationally. The standard of entries is high every year and it is amazing to see the work that golf clubs do for the environment and nature."

Golf clubs had the opportunity to submit their entries for six categories, each tailored towards a different environmental focus. The entries were then reviewed by an internal panel at STRI Group and a shortlist of finalists decided. 

Stella Rixon, senior turfgrass agronomist at STRI Group said: “Shortlisting the applications this year has been a joy. From working alongside golf clubs on a day-to-day basis, you see first-hand how much greenkeepers care about conservation, sustainability and the ecology on the grounds.  It’s great to shed light on the continuous activity taking place at clubs.”  

The categories, criteria and finalists are:

Conservation Champion

Outstanding individuals who make significant contributions to the success of environmental and ecological management and hence make a fundamental positive impact on the surrounding landscape and biodiversity.

• Brampton Golf Club
• Garmouth and Kingston Golf Club
• Huntercombe Golf Club
• Nairn Dunbar Golf Links

 

Ecological Project of the Year

Golf clubs who have implemented a successful ecological project, with clear objectives and targets that contribute to a better environment and are making sound progress in fulfilling the goals of the project.

• Canterbury Golf Club
• Cirencester Golf Club
• Formby Ladies Golf Club
• Wentworth Club

 

Operation Pollinator Award

Golf clubs who consistently deliver outstanding ecological habitat creation and management.

• Goring & Streatley Golf Club
• Heswall Golf Club
• Huntercombe Golf Club
• Warren Golf Club

 

Sustainable Project of the Year

Golf clubs who have implemented a successful sustainable project with clear objectives and targets that contribute to a better environment and are making sound progress in fulfilling the goals of the project.

• Kingarrock Hickory Golf Club
• Royal Dornoch Golf Club
• St Andrews Links
• Carnoustie Golf Links

 

International Environmental Golf Course

Golf clubs outside of the UK that brilliantly demonstrate efficient management across nature conservation, turfgrass, waste and water.

• Golf della Montecchia
• Minthis Golf Club
• Mjölby Golf Club
• The Royal Dublin Golf Club

 

UK Environmental Golf Course of the Year

Golf clubs in the UK that brilliantly demonstrate efficient management across nature conservation, turfgrass, waste and water.

• Colmworth Golf Club
• The Gog Magog Golf Club
• Royal Mid-Surrey Golf Club
• St Anne’s Old Links Golf Club

 

A final judging day is set to take place in November with representatives from The R&A, Aquatrols, BIGGA, Jacobsen, Syngenta and Tillers Turf. This will determine the winner of each category, set to be announced at the upcoming ceremony on Wednesday 24 January 2024 at The Crown Hotel, Harrogate.

All winners are rewarded with a £750 grant to help fund further ecological and environmental projects at their clubs, a visit from an agronomic consultant, entry to the Foundation Award in Amenity Horticulture Course, BIGGA membership for the Conservation Champion award winner and promotional materials to display across digital platforms.

Entry to the awards is completely free with the sole aim of encouraging every eco-conscious golf club to consider applying.