Awards celebrate 30 years of golf and the environment
The 30th Golf Environment Awards, hosted by STRI Group, took place on Wednesday 22 January during the BIGGA Turf Management Exhibition.
The number of applications reached record highs throughout 2024 and the atmosphere showed in the room as golf clubs from across the globe came together to celebrate and reward industry professionals who dedicate their time and energy to protecting and enhancing the environment,
Tina Jessop, Head of Brand and Communications at STRI Group, said: "The GEAs showcase the innovation and extraordinary heights golf courses are reaching to protect and enhance the natural environment. It is inspiring to see the hard work and tangible results from their projects."
Many golf courses are achieving an increase in habitat varieties, improving playing experiences for golfers and having a positive impact on the communities in which their members live and work.
Awards winners
Operation Pollinator Award*
*Awarded to golf clubs who consistently deliver outstanding ecological habitat creation and management.
Goring and Streatley Golf Club with Sarah Hughes, Syngenta (right)
Ecological Project of the Year*
*For golf clubs who have implemented a successful ecological project, with clear objectives and targets that contribute to a better environment.
Formby Ladies Golf Club
Conservation Champion of the Year*
*Outstanding individuals who make significant contributions to the success of environmental and ecological management, making a positive impact on the surrounding landscape and biodiversity.
Andy Reason of North Hants Golf Club with Richard Owens, Tillers Turf (left)
Sustainable Project of the Year*
*Golf clubs who have implemented a successful sustainable project with clear objectives and targets that contribute to a more sustainable environment.
Bowring Park and Golf Course
International Environmental Golf Course*
*Golf clubs outside the UK that brilliantly demonstrate efficient management across nature conservation, turfgrass, waste and water.
Camiral Golf & Wellness with Daniel Lightfoot, The R&A (right)
UK Environmental Golf Course of the Year*
*Golf clubs in the UK that are leading the way in sustainability across nature and conservation, turfgrass management and waste and water management.
Royal Mid-Surrey Golf Club
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.
The Golf Environment Awards were sponsored by BIGGA, The R&A, Aquatrols, Syngenta, Tillers Turf and Textron.
Launched in 1995, the Golf Environment Awards aim to recognise and reward positive environmental practices at golf courses across the globe. Sharing these practices also helps to encourage others to follow suite, maximising the opportunities for golf as an industry to positively impact the effects of climate change and improve biodiversity worldwide.
Find out more on the Golf Environment Awards website.
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