STRI Launches 2012 Golf Environment Awards
The 2012 Golf Environment Awards launched today (7 March) to showcase best environmental practice at golf courses across the UK, rewarding both individuals and golf courses for their commitment to environmentally sustainable projects.
The prestigious awards, now in their 15th year, are managed and administered by STRI, the world’s leading sports turf consultancy. Each entry is independently judged on what the golf course has achieved and how it has benefited the environment.
Comprising of eleven prizes, the awards include an Overall Achievement accolade which was won in 2011 by Loch Lomond Golf Club who have just embarked on a study trip to Portugal as part of their prize.
Commenting on winning the 2011 award, David Cole, golf course and estate manager at the Loch Lomond course said: “I was delighted to receive the Overall Achievement Award at the 2011 Golf Environment Awards on behalf of the club. I’m looking forward to the opportunity to see first hand some of the most environmentally proactive golf facilities and speak to course management professionals about their environmental focus.”
The coveted Golf Environment Awards are supported by a number of sponsors committed to supporting and promoting proven sustainable projects within golf clubs – County Turf, Ransomes Jacobsen, Everris and Syngenta.
In addition Justin Rose continues as official ambassador of the awards for the third consecutive year. In his role as ambassador this year Justin will continue to support the promotion of the awards and host a champagne reception at Wentworth for the 2011 winners.
Previewing this year’s awards, Richard Stuttard, STRI’s Environmental Consultant, said: “STRI recognises the ever increasing spotlight on environmental issues and is proud to once again be managing these awards. It is imperative that environmentally sustainable courses should be at the forefront of everyone within the golf industry.
“This year’s awards will once again showcase the tremendous work being undertaken at golf courses throughout the UK. We would call on every golf club that has embarked on sustainability programmes, no matter how big or small to enter.”
There are 11 awards in total, split across three categories:
Environmental Improvement – four awards recognising projects involving:
• Nature Conservation Management
• Turfgrass Management
• Waste Management
• Water Management
Environmental Achievement
• Five regional awards and one overall winner award recognising golf courses that have implemented a successful environmental management strategy, with clear objectives and targets on how this strategy will directly contribute to a better environment
Conservation Greenkeeper Award
• To recognise an outstanding individual contribution to the success of environmental and ecological management
Entry to the 2012 awards is now open. Entry is free and details can be found on the website www.golfenvironmentawards.com