STRI, the world’s leading sports turf consultancy, paid tribute to the winners of the 2012 Golf Environment Awards with a presentation at Hotel Du Vin in Harrogate last month (23rd January).

In recognition of ecology and wildlife management best practice at golf clubs across the UK, winners from amongst the ten awards categories were recognised during BTME, Europe’s leading showcase for turf professionals and buyers.

Each of the award winners, including Overall Achievement Winner Thorpeness Hotel & Golf Club, demonstrated how environmental sustainability and outstanding aesthetics can work together and were chosen following extensive inspection visits of over 30 golf clubs conducted by STRI. Each entry was independently judged on what the golf course has achieved and how it has benefited the environment.

Bob Taylor, STRI’s Ecology & Environment Manager, said: “The more clubs we visited, the more we realised that ecological interests are high on the list of management activities and are becoming recognised as integral to the quality and ambience of the facility.

“It’s remarkable to see just how entrenched ecology and wildlife management has become within the routine maintenance being carried out by so many golf clubs. This year’s winners have all demonstrated outstanding work and dedication to provide first class courses whilst making significant improvements to their local environment.”

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, Syngenta and Operation Pollinator and media sponsors Golf Monthly and Greenkeeping.

The prestigious awards, now in their 16th year, are managed and administered by STRI in conjunction with Justin Rose, Ryder Cup winner and official ambassador of the Golf Environment Awards.

2012 Overall Winner – Thorpeness Golf Club
2012 Conservation Greenkeeper of the Year – Dan McGrath, North Foreland Golf Club
Northern Regional Award – Lee Park Golf Club
Southern Regional Award – Hankley Common Golf Club
Scottish Regional Award – Dundonald Links Golf Club
Welsh Regional Award – Aberdovey Golf Club
Nature Conservation Award – John O Gaunt Golf Club
Waste Management Award – Fairhaven Golf Club
Water Management Award – The Roehampton Golf Club
Turfgrass Management Award – Royal Aberdeen Golf Club