Golf Sustainability | Environmental Solutions to Keep the Game of Golf Sustainable for Future Golfers

Golf Ireland is not easing into sustainability, it is building a national framework around it. With 376 affiliated clubs, over 236,000 registered members, and major events including the Open at Royal Portrush, the Amgen Irish Open, and the upcoming Ryder Cup in Adare, the governing body for golf across Ireland has both scale and influence. In this episode of the Golf Sustainability Podcast, Golf Ireland’s Head of Sustainability, Anne Courtney and sustainability consultant Gráinne Kelleher outline how a blank canvas turned into one of the most comprehensive governing body sustainability programs in the sport. From biodiversity audits and pesticide tracking to decarbonization strategy and GEO certification, “Driving the Green” is structured, measurable, and designed to scale. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... [07:30] How Golf Ireland built a sustainability strategy from scratch[11:00] The four pillars of the Driving the Green program[15:00] Biodiversity audits and digital pesticide tracking requirements[19:30] Energy audits, decarbonization, and funding renewable upgrades[28:30] GEO certification and the role of data in long term planning[35:00] Overcoming resistance and engaging members beyond management Building the Foundation: Strategy Before Action When Anne stepped into the role just over two years ago, there was no pre existing sustainability blueprint. The first phase was listening, meeting stakeholders, understanding club realities, and identifying early adopters. From that research came a standalone sustainability strategy called Driving the Green, launched nationally in March 2024. Rather than attempt to manage every specialty internally, Golf Ireland assembled a team of experts covering ecology, decarbonization, waste, funding, and certification. The program was structured around four pillars, fostering nature, conserving resources, strengthening communities, and tackling climate action. The approach is practical. Biodiversity audits now provide clubs with five to ten year ecological roadmaps. A digital pesticide logging portal ensures compliance with new national regulations. Energy audits, delivered in partnership with Sustainable Energy Ireland, establish baselines and funding pathways for renewable transitions. The philosophy is simple, let the figures do the talking. One club reduced energy costs from approximately 100,000 to 25,000 annually through retrofitting and renewable investment. Financial sustainability and environmental sustainability are positioned as aligned, not competing priorities. From Policy to Practice: Engagement at Club Level A strategy is only as strong as its adoption. Golf Ireland focused early on engagement, offering free and impartial support to affiliated clubs. Within twelve months, 27 percent of clubs were actively participating in the program. The work reaches beyond boards and managers. Greenkeepers play a central role, particularly in biodiversity and turf management practices. Volunteer involvement has grown significantly, including one club with 50 volunteers dedicated to biodiversity initiatives alone. Certification through GEO Foundation’s OnCourse portal has provided structure and continuity. The platform centralizes documentation, supports benchmarking, and strengthens Ireland’s position as a sustainable golf destination for international tourism and corporate events. Water stewardship, even in a country known for rainfall, has emerged as a priority. Clubs are investing in rainwater harvesting and storage systems to achieve seasonal self sufficiency. Coastal erosion challenges, particularly for links courses, are being addressed in collaboration with The R and A. The Next Phase: From Engagement to Measurable Outcomes While early progress centered on awareness and participation, the next stage is action and measurable impact. Sixty eight pilot projects are currently underway across clubs, with a growing emphasis on data collection to inf

Sustainability in sport is no longer about isolated initiatives or one-off wins. It is about leadership, collaboration, and building systems that others can follow. In this episode of the Golf Sustainability Podcast, John Fahey reconnects with Maria Grandinetti Milton, Director of Sustainability for the DP World Tour, to explore how sustainability programs mature, scale, and begin to influence an entire ecosystem. Maria shares updates on several major initiatives that have taken shape since their last conversation, including the rollout of the DP World Tour Championship Charter, the expansion of the Global Sustainability Awards, and the launch of sustainability forums in Scotland and Ireland. Together, these programs reveal a deliberate strategy focused not just on improving individual events, but on empowering partners, suppliers, federations, and governments to move forward together. The conversation also looks ahead. Maria explains why the DP World Tour became the first professional golf tour to sign the United Nations Sports for Nature initiative, how storytelling around nature can deepen fan engagement, and why the next phase of sustainability leadership is about scaling impact while continuing to learn along the way. Outline of This Episode [00:00] Sustainability as a journey and why leadership requires constant learning[02:00] Maria’s role at the DP World Tour and the evolution of its sustainability strategy[04:00] The Championship Charter and creating a sustainability blueprint for events[10:30] Global Sustainability Awards and recognizing innovation across the supply chain[17:00] Sustainability forums in Scotland and Ireland and the power of collaboration[23:00] Joining the UN Sports for Nature initiative and focusing on biodiversity[27:00] Updating the DP World Tour sustainability strategy and looking ahead Creating a sustainability blueprint through the Championship Charter One of the central updates in this episode is the launch of the DP World Tour Championship Charter. Designed as a practical guide for staging events sustainably, the charter breaks sustainability down into clear, accessible steps across areas like water, waste, transport, and logistics. Rather than overwhelming promoters or operators, it offers entry-level actions, more advanced practices, and examples of best-in-class execution. Maria explains that the charter serves both internal teams and external partners. With more than 40 events across 25 countries, consistency is challenging, but shared principles provide a foundation. The charter creates alignment, lowers barriers to entry, and sets expectations for how sustainability is embedded across global championships. Recognizing leadership through Global Sustainability Awards Recognition plays a powerful role in driving behavior change. Maria shares how the DP World Tour’s Global Sustainability Awards have grown from a regional initiative into a global program spanning Europe, the Middle East, and the rest of the world. The awards highlight excellence across categories such as innovation, technology, catering, venues, and operations. By celebrating suppliers and partners who lead the way, the program creates positive momentum. Winners become case studies, role models, and inspiration for others across the tour’s extensive supplier network. The focus is not just on competition, but on sharing best practices that can be replicated and scaled. Forums that connect golf, government, and communities Another major development is the launch of sustainability forums in Scotland and Ireland. These events bring together national federations, government stakeholders, local golf clubs, and the professional game to discuss shared challenges and solutions. Topics range from climate resilience and biodiversity to community impact and land use. Maria describes these forums as moments of triangulation, where collaboration unlocks progress that no single group could achieve alone. By leveraging the visib

Many golf courses pride themselves on their lush landscapes, but few stop to consider the unseen challenges of maintaining them—especially on remote islands. In this episode, we dive into the unexpected realities of water management at one of the world’s most stunning new golf resorts, Cabot St. Lucia. Without easy access to freshwater, maintaining fairways and greens becomes a surprisingly complex and costly endeavor, revealing a hidden problem that many golf operations face without even realizing it. As director of agronomy Damon Di Giorgio explains, water scarcity isn't just a looming environmental issue—it’s a daily operational reality that demands creative solutions. From reverse osmosis desalination systems to microclimate-specific management strategies, Damon and his team must be meticulous with every drop. Listeners will come to appreciate how standard practices elsewhere would spell disaster in a setting like St. Lucia—and why sustainable resource management isn’t a bonus, but a necessity. By the end of the conversation, you'll see how Cabot St. Lucia isn’t just surviving these challenges—they're setting a new standard for eco-conscious, cost-effective golf course management. Through innovative partnerships, on-site nurseries, and precision agronomy practices, the team at Cabot demonstrates that environmental sustainability and financial sustainability can—and must—go hand-in-hand for the future of golf. Topics covered: (0:00) Damon’s intro and Cabot St. Lucia John Failla introduces Damon Di Giorgio and shares personal experience playing the course Damon shares his background and role at Cabot St. Lucia Overview of Cabot Collection and Point Hardy Golf Club (04:20) Damon’s agronomy leadership Damon explains his “head trash picker-upper” philosophy Three key divisions: beach cleaning, landscaping, and course maintenance Emphasis on supporting and mentoring his team leaders (06:54) Defining sustainability locally Damon frames sustainability as both “the right thing” and “necessity” Explains high cost of desalinated irrigation water Describes Cabot's design prioritizing minimal water use (08:53) Island operations challenges Long, complex supply chains vs. mainland operations Heavy reliance on planning, stocking, and improvisation Specific issues with beach cleaning and sargassum influx (12:22) Big sustainability projects Replanting native plants removed during course construction Two onsite nurseries: landscaping propagation and organic farming Use of saltwater and organic fertilizers to reduce chemical use (20:44) Key partnerships advancing sustainability Entire Cabot Collection enrolled in Audubon’s Platinum Signature Sanctuary program Toro partnership working toward AI-driven moisture management Regular soil testing and precision irrigation practices (27:10) Future vision and tech innovation Focus on microclimate-based management across the course Research collaborations to time pest and weed control naturally Dream of reusing desalination brine for sustainable herbicide solutions Resources & People Mentioned Cabot St. Lucia — https://cabotstlucia.com Audubon International’s Platinum Signature Sanctuary Program — https://www.auduboninternational.org/signature-sanctuary-certification Toro and TurfRad Technologies — https://www.turfnet.com/news.html/toro-and-turfrad-develop-new-moisture-sensor-technology-r1840/ Connect with Damon Di Giorgio Connect with Damon Di Giorgio on LinkedIn Connect With Golf Sustainability LinkedIn Facebook Instagram X (Twitter) Email Subscribe to Golf Sustainability Apple Podcast Spotify Note: Timestamps provided are approximate. Thank you for listening to the Golf Sustainability podcast. If you found this episode interesting, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review! For more insights and updates on sustainable energy solutions, visit our website and follow us on social media. Audio, Video, and Show Notes by - PODCAST FAST TRACK

Most people don’t think twice about the public golf courses in their city—until they start disappearing. Across the country, historic municipal courses have been neglected for decades, leaving behind a patchwork of underfunded, undermaintained spaces that struggle to serve their communities. But there’s a shift happening, and it’s reshaping the future of the game. Will Smith, co-founder of the National Links Trust, has been at the center of that shift. He and his team took on the ambitious task of restoring three historic municipal courses in Washington, D.C., securing a 50-year lease and enlisting some of the best architects in the game. These aren’t just renovations; they’re a rethinking of what public golf can be. With a focus on accessibility, sustainability, and financial viability, the work being done is proving that municipal courses don’t have to be stuck in a cycle of decline. The way forward for public golf isn’t just about fixing tee boxes and bunkers—it’s about creating spaces that truly serve their communities. The changes happening in D.C. offer a roadmap for how cities everywhere can reclaim their public courses and make the game more welcoming for generations to come. Topics covered: The neglected state of municipal golf and why it matters [00:50] The National Links Trust and the fight to restore public courses [03:00] Rethinking what a municipal golf course can be [08:10] The business model behind municipal golf’s comeback [11:10] The future of public golf and what’s at stake [16:30] How municipal golf courses can secure funding for long-term success [20:00] The national movement to restore and protect municipal golf courses [28:10] Final thoughts: The lasting impact of municipal golf restoration [36:00] Resources & People Mentioned National Links Trust – Revitalizing historic municipal golf courses. Troon – Management partner bringing sustainability to public golf. Gil Hanse & Tom Doak – World-class architects restoring D.C.’s muni courses. Doak’s site. Connect with Will Smith Connect with Will Smith on LinkedIn Connect With Golf Sustainability LinkedIn Facebook Instagram X (Twitter) Email Subscribe to Golf Sustainability Apple Podcast Spotify Note: Timestamps provided are approximate. Thank you for listening to the Golf Sustainability podcast. If you found this episode interesting, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review! For more insights and updates on sustainable energy solutions, visit our website and follow us on social media. Audio, Video, and Show Notes by - PODCAST FAST TRACK

What if the key to the future of golf was hidden in how a course manages its water? For Matteo Serena, Senior Manager of Irrigation Research and Services at the USGA, this question drives his work every day. From native grasses to advanced irrigation systems, Matteo is exploring how courses can use less water without sacrificing playability. With a career spanning research in Italy and the arid Southwest of the United States, Matteo combines a passion for innovation with a deep understanding of turfgrass science. His work with the USGA’s 15-30-45 initiative is transforming how courses think about their most critical resource, offering practical solutions that are already making an impact. Matteo’s journey, from academic research to applying those findings on real courses, is a testament to his commitment to the game. By working with superintendents, researchers, and course managers, he’s helping golf courses thrive while using smarter approaches to resource management. Topics covered: Why Water Use is Central to Golf’s Future (0:00) Matteo’s Journey: From Italy to the USGA (01:56) The USGA Green Section and the 15-30-45 Initiative (7:50) Innovations in Grasses and Irrigation Upgrades (15:40) Technology’s Role in Precision Water Management (24:05) Partnerships and Knowledge Sharing in Golf (31:35) Challenges, Inspiration, and Building a Legacy (36:30) Resources & People Mentioned GCSAA – Supporting golf superintendents with education and resources. TifTuf and Tahoma 31 Cultivars – Drought-resistant grasses for improved water efficiency. Connect with Matteo Serena Matteo Serena on LinkedIn Connect With Golf Sustainability LinkedIn Facebook Instagram X (Twitter) Email Subscribe to Golf Sustainability Apple Podcast Spotify Note: Timestamps provided are approximate. Thank you for listening to the Golf Sustainability podcast. If you found this episode interesting, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review! For more insights and updates on sustainable energy solutions, visit our website and follow us on social media. Audio, Video, and Show Notes by - PODCAST FAST TRACK

What if the game of golf could truly embrace its origins as a sport for everyone? Today I have the pleasure of sitting down with Russell Smith of Golf It! to uncover how this groundbreaking facility in Glasgow, Scotland, is redefining golf’s accessibility and inclusivity. Golf It! is a bold and innovative concept backed by the Royal & Ancient Golf Club (R&A), and it challenges stereotypes while creating a welcoming pathway into the game for families, lapsed golfers, and time-starved players alike. Golf It! is breaking traditional rules to foster community connections, breathe new life into an underutilized space, and make golf accessible to all ages and abilities. From creating adventure golf courses inspired by children’s ideas to embedding accessibility into every facet of their operations, Golf It! has become much more than a sports venue—it’s a vibrant community hub transforming how people engage with golf. Whether you’re passionate about sustainability, intrigued by the intersection of sport and social impact, or simply curious about the future of golf, this episode is packed with inspiration. From partnerships with global brands to programs for schools and individuals with disabilities, Golf It! sets a new benchmark for how golf can thrive for generations to come. Topics covered: Setting the Stage: Introducing Golf It! [0:00] The Origins and Mission of Golf It! [6:15] A New Pathway to Golf [14:35] Engaging the Community [25:00] Expanding Golf’s Reach [34:23] Golf for All Abilities [42:43] Partnerships and Future Impact [48:58] Resources & People Mentioned Golf It!: Website The R&A: Website AIG Women’s Open: Website EDGA: Website Callaway Golf: Website Arnold & Winnie Palmer Foundation: Website Russell Smith on LinkedIn Connect With Golf Sustainability LinkedIn Facebook Instagram X (Twitter) Email Subscribe to Golf Sustainability Apple Podcast Spotify Note: Timestamps provided are approximate. Thank you for listening to the Golf Sustainability podcast. If you found this episode interesting, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review! For more insights and updates on sustainable energy solutions, visit our website and follow us on social media. Audio, Video, and Show Notes by - PODCAST FAST TRACK

Sustainability in golf is no longer just a buzzword; it’s becoming a defining principle for the future of the sport. As challenges around resources and environmental impact grow, leaders in the industry are stepping forward with innovative approaches. Among them is David Robinson, Senior Director of Golf Grounds at Marriott International, who oversees a global portfolio of over 50 courses and has a unique perspective on how to balance tradition, performance, and responsibility. David brings decades of expertise in agronomy and a visionary mindset to his role. He’s driven by a belief that the courses we enjoy today should be left in even better condition for future generations. His work emphasizes efficiency, creativity, and technology to address modern challenges in ways that make sense for both the environment and the bottom line. This conversation highlights Marriott Golf’s proactive initiatives, from smarter water use to reducing inputs like chemicals and energy. David explores how innovative irrigation systems, turfgrass advancements, and automation are creating more sustainable, cost-effective, and reliable outcomes. His perspective shows how practical solutions can yield lasting benefits. David’s leadership is a reminder that sustainability isn’t about compromise; it’s about opportunity. By focusing on smarter, data-driven practices and working with top partners in the industry, he’s helping shape a future for golf that’s both responsible and exciting, one decision at a time. Topics covered: David Robinson’s Career and Role at Marriott Golf [00:00] Defining Sustainability at Marriott Golf [4:39] Tackling Carbon Footprints and Water Management [6:22] Challenges and Opportunities in a Global Portfolio [12:33] Partnerships and Cutting-Edge Technology [15:42] The Vision for the Future of Golf Course Irrigation [17:59] Personal Inspiration and Legacy [33:00] Resources & People Mentioned GEO Foundation – Leading tool for carbon footprint analysis in golf Audubon International – Environmental certification standard adopted by Marriott Golf USGA Green Section – Research leader in sustainable turfgrass and water management Connect with Our Guests LinkedIn: David Robinson Connect With Golf Sustainability LinkedIn Facebook Instagram X (Twitter) Email Subscribe to Golf Sustainability Apple Podcast Spotify Note: Timestamps provided are approximate. Thank you for listening to the Golf Sustainability podcast. If you found this episode interesting, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review! For more insights and updates on sustainable energy solutions, visit our website and follow us on social media. Audio, Video, and Show Notes by - PODCAST FAST TRACK

Golf has always been seen as an exclusive sport, shaped by factors like climate, cost, and tradition. But what if it could be more accessible while still honoring its roots? That’s the vision of Don Rea, Vice President and soon-to-be President of the PGA of America. He is on a mission to broaden access and deepen the sport’s impact without losing what makes golf unique. From an unconventional start as a minor league umpire to leading one of the most influential organizations in golf, Don’s story is one of passion, resilience, and a deep commitment to change. Don brings an energetic approach to growing the game, emphasizing public golf, youth development, and expanding access to underserved communities. He’s helped shape programs like PGA REACH, which not only introduce new people to the sport but also address broader social issues, from veteran reintegration to workforce diversity. His ideas around leveraging technology, public-private partnerships, and a renewed focus on mentorship offer a fresh take on what it means to make golf truly sustainable—financially, socially, and environmentally. Whether you’re a golf enthusiast, an industry professional, or simply curious about the future of the sport, Don’s insights offer a powerful look at how golf can be more than just a game. It's about community, opportunity, and driving real change. This conversation is packed with stories, strategies, and plenty of inspiration for how the game we love can serve as an "engine for good." Topics covered: [00:00] Don Rea’s Career Journey & Mission in Golf Don begins by sharing his unique career path, from professional umpiring to becoming a PGA pro and golf course owner. He discusses his passion for public golf and its role in building community, improving health, and supporting families. Don recounts his rise within the PGA of America, emphasizing the importance of bringing new perspectives into leadership. He explains how his experience on the public side of golf has shaped his vision to expand access and make golf more inclusive. [05:00] Advancing Inclusion Through PGA REACH Don outlines PGA REACH’s key initiatives, including programs for veterans (PGA HOPE), juniors (PGA Junior League), and workforce diversity (PGA Works). He shares how PGA REACH aims to diversify not only the players but also the workforce, highlighting efforts to create pathways into careers beyond playing golf. Don emphasizes the importance of intentionality in diversifying leadership within the PGA and the broader industry. He explains the role of initiatives like "Make Golf Your Thing," a collaboration of industry partners committed to increasing access and participation. [12:00] Overcoming Grassroots Challenges Don identifies challenges in translating national programs into local impact, given the differences across 41 PGA sections. He describes efforts to strengthen the connection between national committees and local chapters to ensure consistent execution of initiatives. John suggests creating competition among PGA sections to drive innovation and local engagement, an idea Don supports as a means of sparking more grassroots participation. The conversation highlights the critical role of local relationships in growing golf at the community level, from municipal courses to youth programs. [18:00] Municipal Golf & Public-Private Partnerships Don dives into the potential of municipal golf courses as engines for broader access, citing successful examples like the park at West Palm. He details how public-private partnerships can revitalize municipal golf, making it more financially sustainable while keeping costs low for players. Endowments and matching grants are proposed as tools to support operational sustainability and enable junior programs. John and Don brainstorm the idea of a national initiative to scale these efforts, aiming to create more public access points across the country. [26:00] Technology & Financial Sustai

What if golf courses were more than just places to tee off? In this episode of The Golf Sustainability Podcast, I sit down with Brian Horgan, chairperson of Michigan State University’s Department of Plant, Soil, and Microbial Sciences, to dive into a fascinating new perspective on golf. With over 20 years in research and academia, Brian has been at the forefront of redefining golf courses as essential green spaces with real environmental and social impact. We explore how golf courses can go beyond leisure to contribute to urban cooling, carbon sequestration, water management, and biodiversity. Brian shares his insights on the future of municipal courses—how they can evolve into thriving community hubs and play a critical role in sustainable urban planning. Whether you're passionate about golf sustainability, urban development, or reimagining public spaces, Brian’s research offers a fresh look at how these often-overlooked landscapes can benefit both people and the planet. Don't miss this thought-provoking discussion on building a more sustainable future through golf. Topics covered: [1:10] Brian Horgan's Journey to Research and Academia [4:00] The "Science of the Green" Concept [8:10] Multifunctional Use of Golf Courses and Community Integration [16:20] Broader Impacts and Future of Golf Course Research [22:00] Expanding the Mindset for Municipal Golf Courses Resources & People Mentioned USGA (United States Golf Association) InVEST Model St. Andrews The Park at West Palm Connect with Brian Horgan, Ph.D. Brian Horgan, Michigan State University Profile Michigan State University Department of Plant, Soil, and Microbial Sciences Connect With Golf Sustainability LinkedIn Facebook Instagram X (Twitter) Email Subscribe to Golf Sustainability Apple Podcast Spotify Note: Timestamps provided are approximate. Thank you for listening to the Golf Sustainability podcast. If you found this episode interesting, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review! For more insights and updates on sustainable energy solutions, visit our website and follow us on social media. Audio, Video, and Show Notes by - PODCAST FAST TRACK

As the Director of Agronomy at Hillcrest Country Club, Matt Muhlenbruch fully embraces leveraging technology to make the game of golf more sustainable. His approach is well-researched so he’s only implementing tools and technologies that will drive sustainable golf forward. Ultimately, the technology he adopts has to bring meaningful and measurable advantages to the operation, or time and money are spent learning new software every few weeks. Matt thoughtfully incorporates each piece, from a new irrigation system to ground sensors, GPS-based turf sprayers to electric mowers. Each precise application brings them one step closer to their sustainability goals. Matt shares more about his process at Hillcrest in this thought-provoking episode of Golf Sustainability. Topics covered: Matt’s career journey and current role at Hillcrest Country Club [1:22] What does golf sustainability Look like at Hillcrest Country Club? [7:18] The stringent regulations in California for golf course management [10:07] The impact of technology on sustainability [15:46] Matt’s experience collaborating with partners like Rainbird and Toro [28:00] The technologies that Matt is excited to test next [33:54] What drives Matt? [37:22] Resources & People Mentioned Toro Rainbird John Deere Turf Sprayers Connect with Matt Muhlenbruch Connect on LinkedIn Follow on Twitter Connect With Golf Sustainability LinkedIn Facebook Instagram X (Twitter) Email Subscribe to Golf Sustainability Apple Podcast Spotify Note: Timestamps provided are approximate. Thank you for listening to the Golf Sustainability podcast. If you found this episode interesting, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review! For more insights and updates on sustainable energy solutions, visit our website and follow us on social media. Audio, Video, and Show Notes by - PODCAST FAST TRACK

St. Andrews Links is the oldest—and most well-known—golf course in the world. Recognized as the “Home of Golf,” it’s existed for over 600 years. Today we have the privilege of speaking with Gordon McKie, the Greenkeeping Operations Manager. Gordon has been at St. Andrews Links in various roles for over 27 years. Every year, over 240,000 rounds of golf are played across their seven courses. In 1974, the golf course was handed over to be managed by the St. Andrews Links Trust. The trust is solely responsible for what happens on the golf courses, including sustainability initiatives. St. Andrews Links is an innovative leader in environmental practices and sustainability. They evaluated their energy use and immediately began to implement changes: Installing solar panels, changing out light bulbs, and moving to the use of electric mowers and vehicles. They’ll soon be invested in the latest irrigation technology to reduce water usage on the courses. One of the challenges they face as a coastal golf course is coastal erosion. The West Sands Project was launched to protect the Links from eventually going underwater. They also introduced the West Sands Rangers Service in 2022 to protect the natural habitat, including native birds and butterflies. Only eight greenkeepers have cared for the Old Course in between Old Man Morris and Gordon, which he feels is an honor and a privilege. Gordon is passionate about improving education opportunities for young greenkeepers and hopes he influences them to recognize the importance of sustainability and being environmentally friendly. Topics covered: Gordon’s career progression at St. Andrews Links (00:01:15 – 00:03:30) Goron joined St. Andrews in 1995 as the Deputy Head Greenkeeper on the Eden course and worked there for 5 years before moving into the Head Greenkeeper role. Gordon spent 17 years as the Old Course manager before moving into the Greenkeeping Operations Manager role in 2023. How the management of St. Andrews Links has evolved (00:03:31 – 00:08:17) In 1974, the golf course was handed over to be managed by the St. Andrews Links Trust. Every penny that comes into the organization is reinvested into the courses (for example, proceeds from the trust are used for free golf lessons for Juniors). Being the steward of Old Tom Morris’s famous work [00:08:18 – 00:11:42) As only the 9th person to manage the turf, Gordon feels it’s a privilege to follow in the footsteps of Old Tom Morris, heralded as the first sustainable greenkeeper. The evolution of sustainability at St. Andrews Links (00:11:43 – 00:18:03) St. Andrews Links is an innovative leader in environmental practices and sustainability to protect their heritage and history. They launched the West Sands Project, replenishing gabions and dunes to protect against coastal erosion and preserve the Links. They focus on educating the next generation, making sure they know what they need to do to protect their future. Winning the Scottish Golf “Sustainable Project of the Year” Award (00:18:04 – 00:24:05) After evaluating their energy usage, they installed solar panels, changed out light bulbs to LEDs and sensor lights, and are using more electric and hybrid lawnmowers and vehicles. They plan to update the irrigation system to take advantage of the latest technology in sprinkler heads on the Old Course to further reduce water usage. They work with their partners to collect data to help them develop their products to better everyone in the industry. The legacy Gordon hopes to leave for future generations (00:24:06 – 00:31:10) Goron hopes his legacy will influence the next generation to understand the importance of sustainability and being environmentally friendly. Resources & People Mentioned St. Andrews Links St. Andrews Links Trust Awarded Sustainable Project of the Year Connect with Gordon McKie Connect on LinkedIn Follow on Twitter Connect With Golf Sustainability LinkedIn Facebook Instagram X (Twitter) Ema

The Path seeks to change kids’ lives while introducing them to the game of golf. So is it a community center or a golf course? It’s both! It was launched on the premise that every child deserves the chance to succeed in life and you can hear the motivating story from Dave Andrews, the Director of The Path at The Park West Palm Beach. The Path has become the perfect blend of Dave’s passion and purpose, giving kids hope and inspiration. The goal was to take a kid who may not be on a good path and change their trajectory. Listen to learn more about this awe-inspiring community program—including how to inspire community involvement or launch your own program. Highlighted Topics Covered Vision for The Park West Palm project (03:31 - 08:19) Development of the The Path and its key programs (08:20 - 18:35) Getting local schools to participate in the program (23:44 - 29:30) Resources The Park West Palm The Path Connect with Guest, Dave Andrews LinkedIn Connect with Host, John Failla LinkedIn John@GolfSustainability.com Connect With Golf Sustainability LinkedIn Facebook Instagram X (Twitter) Subscribe to Golf Sustainability Apple Podcast Spotify Amazon Music Thank you for listening to Golf Sustainability. If you found this episode interesting, don't forget to subscribe and leave a review!