Last week, during a State of the Industry summit hosted by the Golf Journalists Association of Canada, Jeff Calderwood of the National Golf Course Owners Association (Canada) alluded to a new program that would be coming. Today, more news on that arrived.
The question Calderwood was tasked with on November 21st (See Full Video Here) concerned their ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) commitments and where they were at with them. He said at the time that he did not want to spoil an upcoming but of news so he withheld his response, for the most part.
The detail that he avoided was a new program they are debuting along with NAGA (National Allied Golf Associations) partner Canadian Golf Superintendents Association (CGSA) with a focus on support and recognition to member facilities for sustainability and climate action.
The two groups are working with the international not-for-profit, GEO Sustainable Golf Foundation to deliver the program.
Core components of the initiative include:
- Free provision of GEO’s OnCourse Program for sustainable golf facilities and course management
- Access to annual Sustainable Golf Scorecards and Carbon Footprints
- Communications strategies that spotlight golf’s positive environmental stewardship
- Creation of a valuable industry data bank to support golf’s positive story
- Annual awards and internationally accredited certification
- Aligned strategies, goals and member support from both NGCOA Canada and CGSA
Jeff Calderwood, CEO of the NGCOA Canada, worked closely with the boards of the NGCOA Canada and CGSA, as well as the GEO Sustainable Golf Foundation, to create this mutually beneficial strategy.
“The rapid movement in sustainability is fundamentally critical to the future of golf, and in particular the ability to successfully operate golf courses”, stated Calderwood. “This initiative delivers new solutions supporting management efficiency, the popularity of our game throughout Canada, golf’s positive brand, and the long-term profitability of our golf businesses.”
Dustin Zdan, President of the CGSA, added that, ”Climate change and loss of biodiversity are concerns across society and, as land managers, we have an important role to play. This program provides recognition for the stewardship work that our superintendents deliver, while our industry demonstrates to society and governments that golf is an effective environmental leader.”
The GEO Sustainable Golf Foundation has been supporting golf in more and more countries around the world each year. Jonathan Smith, executive director of GEO, was very supportive of expanding their support in Canada.
“Congratulations to the NGCOA Canada and CGSA for stepping forward and demonstrating this sustainability commitment. The programs, tools and recognition are purely designed to help facility and association leaders to better review and quantify what they are already doing; to identify areas for further focus; to build more effective communication plans; and to accelerate their profile as a climate conscious community of golf businesses.” Smith added, “We are proud to support both Associations and look forward to celebrating Canadian golf’s positive impacts over the years ahead.”
In parallel to this golf course operations initiative, it should be noted that Golf Canada is also demonstrating leadership by working with partners such as GEO for sustainability programs at the RBC Canadian Open and the CPKC Women’s Open, as well as their own Amateur events. Collectively, the Canadian golf industry is positioning the sport and industry very effectively for the future of sustainability.
Golf course operators and superintendents are advised to watch for further details and participation opportunities being released by both the NGCOA Canada and CGSA in the future.
