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Sustainability

United to make a real difference

For hundreds of years golf has given rise to social and environmental benefits. Continuing and improving on this tradition is more important than ever at a time when sustainability has become a critical global priority.

The IGF and its member organisations are united in their focus on sustainability, recognising the important role golf can play, as a growing international sport, tightly intertwined with landscapes and communities.

Sustainable golf can be widely and credibly embraced across the industry – in the operations of existing courses, the design and construction of new developments, and in the venues and staging of tournaments.

For more information on the sustainability activities of the IGF and its members, visit the IGF's Corporate Social Responsability page.

Sustainability is a great fit for golf

Sustainability Ecosystems
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - MAY 30: General view of Hole 14 at the Olympic Golf Course on May 30, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
(Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

Environmental and social stewardship has always been close to the heart of golf. Great golf respects its surroundings and honours the natural environment. As a green space, often in the middle of towns or cities, it provides natural habitats and ecosystems, improving the overall quality and treading lightly on natural resources. And fitting into the surrounding communities, golf provides employment, recreation and education.

Landscapes & Ecosystems

Landscapes and ecosystems cover the surface of the earth, connecting everything, providing the canvas on which we live, work and play. Great golf enhances landscapes and ecosystems, creating and sustaining beautiful and biologically rich open spaces.

Water

Water
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - MAY 30: General view of Hole 10 at the Olympic Golf Course on May 30, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
(Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

Water is a critical commodity our societies must conserve and use responsibly. Golf can demonstrate leadership in sustainable water management in a number of ways, some followed successfully by course managers for years, others made possible through new innovations.

Energy & Resources

The global population and its demand for energy increases every day. How we meet that demand is the critical issue. Golf is responding across a wide range of areas from low resource turfgrass to energy for the clubhouse and machinery.

Products & Supply Chains

The products and services that golf uses need to be carefully considered to ensure a fair deal for businesses and for our planet. More and more golf businesses are mindful of their chain of supply when purchasing. It’s often only a small mind-shift that can make a big difference.

Environmental Quality

From manufacturing, processing and distribution of products, to the use of chemicals and fertiliser, to the cultivation of turf and seed and the way buildings are designed and managed, it all influences our world. A well planned, designed, constructed and managed golf facility can improve air, water and soil quality through sustained, consistent land and resource management.

For more information, read the Affordable Golf Facility Development and visit Sustainable.Golf

Leadership

The IGF proudly supports and represents the actions of many partners across the sector. Our Sustainability Statement, backed by 153 golf associations globally, outlines the industry’s collective outlook and vision. The IGF also recognises the importance of leading by example through our own direct action.

Rio 2016 Olympic Golf Course - burrowing owl
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - AUGUST 05: A Burrowing Owl on the 9th hole proir to the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic Golf Course on August 5, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Chris Condon/PGA TOUR/IGF)
IGF

Ahead of golf’s historic return to the Olympics at Rio2016, the IGF ensured that sustainability was at the heart of the development of the Rio Olympic Golf Course, requiring the architect to meet the Sustainable Golf Development standards.

The Rio 2016 Organising Committee and the International Golf Federation joined forces during the Rio 2016 Olympic Games to bring environmental education and awareness to the forefront of the Golf event through walking tours across the Olympic Golf Course for spectators and media. Click here for more information on the Sustainability Tour at the Rio 2016 Golf Course.

In 2017, the IGF worked with the IOC and GEO to prepare a Case Study on Creating Sustainable Golf Courses which outlines how the IGF and its Delivery partners are working to help drive sustainability in and through golf.

Water resources

The IGF actively supports the development and promotion of practical industry solutions. Here you will find information on leading sustainability tools for the industry.

USGA Water Resource Center

It is a collection of case studies and tools for facilities, communities and golfers. Resources include water management tools, research on water use and data collection information. The Water Resource Center is provided and managed by the USGA.

Further resources and information

Many partners across the golf industry are working together to drive the sustainable golf movement. This page provides links to several of these organisations for further information on their actions and commitment to enhance golf’s social and environmental value.

Grass roots Golf

Professional Golf

Golf Developments

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