Golf courses lauded in 2016 IAGTO Sustainability Awards

08 October 2015
Golf courses lauded in 2016 IAGTO Sustainability Awards

Golf courses in Spain, the USA and China have taken the honours in the 2016 IAGTO Sustainability Awards.

Held for the third time and staged as part of the annual IAGTO Awards, the Sustainability Awards were presented at a gala dinner attended by 1,400 golf tourism industry professionals at Siam Park, Tenerife, on the final night of the International Golf Travel Market.

They were established as a result of a strategic partnership between the world’s golf tourism trade organisation, IAGTO (International Association of Golf Tour Operators), and GEO (Golf Environment Organization), and recognise excellence in the fields of environmental and social responsibility.

For the 2016 Sustainability Awards, courses have been honoured across three regions: Europe, the Middle East and Africa; the Americas; and Asia.

The awards ceremony also saw the launch of a new Sustainable Destinations Award for 2017, the winner of which will be announced at next year’s IGTM, to be held in Majorca.

Jonathan Smith, GEO Chief Executive, said: “The entries to this year’s 2016 IAGTO Sustainability Awards have once again underlined the depth of exceptional action across nature enhancement, resource efficiency and community value which clubs across the world are taking, and the many benefits that these responsible businesses are receiving. The winners have shown an outstanding leadership in their commitment to sustainability and we congratulation them all.

“We are also very pleased, along with IAGTO, to have launched the new Sustainable Destinations Award for 2017 and thank Hilton Head Island and the Algarve, as distinguished examples of sustainable destinations, for their support in doing so.

“We hope this years winners, entrants and distinguished destinations have inspired clubs and destinations across the world to reap the benefits of sustainable management and be recognised for their positive actions.”

IAGTO Chief Executive Peter Walton said: “I am particularly proud of our partnership with GEO for the Sustainability Awards. That has already made a real impact and will continue to do so following the announcement of our new Sustainable Golf Destination of the Year category, which I am sure will generate interest and action from golf destinations worldwide.”

2016 IAGTO Sustainability Awards Winners

Sustainable Golf Course of the Year – Europe, Middle East & Africa: La Galiana Campo de Golf, Spain
In its citation, GEO observed: “La Galiana wins the IAGTO Sustainability Award 2016 for the Europe, Middle East and Africa region due to their exceptional commitment throughout their operations and course and club management to the three pillars of sustainable golf: nature, resources and people.

“Since opening in an abandoned orange plantation in 2011, the club has actively promoted the environmental recovery of the area and brought employment into the region. Some of the highlights from the club’s sustainability initiatives include a 15% reduction in water use and €20,000 saving on energy bills. This has been achieved through monitoring and adjusting irrigation methods, and reduction in the management of 3000m2 of out-of-play areas.

“The introduction of native plant species has provided increased wildlife habitat and further reduced water use, leading to a 20% reduction on the course management budget.”

Sustainable Golf Course of the Year – Americas: PGA National Resort & Spa, Florida
GEO’s citation noted: “With its Championship Course located alongside 12,000 acres of nationally-important wetland, the PGA National has recognised the important role it has to play within this living landscape, along with its responsibilities to reduce its use of resources and enhance the benefits it can bring to its members, guests and the local community.
 
“Some highlights of the club’s recent sustainability initiatives include: the conversion of turfgrass species leading to 35% reduction in water use, 30% reduction in fungicide use and 20% reduction in overall fertility to the area; 100% of the site’s green waste is recycled and returned to the facility as mulch for organic fertilizer; $18,000 per year savings on electricity use due to instalment of energy-efficient drives to irrigation pumps; and provision of free electric vehicle charging for guests and members.”

Sustainable Golf Course of the Year – Asia: Mission Hills Haikou, China
GEO remarked: “Multiple environmental and social award winning Mission Hills Haikou is situated on a site that was designated a Global Low-Carbon Ecological Scenic Spot in 2013 by the Global Forum on Human Settlements and is constructed on permeable black lava rock. The club has not only acted on its responsibility to its unique local environment but also to the local community. The club has been a leader in China for fair wages and staff benefits and focuses on hiring local staff and providing continuous professional development opportunities.

“Along with its employee policies other highlights of the clubs sustainability programme include: being 100% self-sufficient for irrigation water supply from rainwater; an annual tree-planting programme designed to enhance native habitats; use of solar-powered golf carts and wind and solar hybrid road lights; and a 1km education trail for visitors to explore local heritage, including a historic stone village preserved on-site and the natural volcanic landscape.”

• For quotes from IAGTO Sustainability Awards winners and the overall 2016 IAGTO Awards press release, click on www.iagto.com/awards.

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Notes for Editors
The 2016 IAGTO Sustainability Awards were open to all GEO Certified® IAGTO member courses, of which there are more than 150.

About IAGTO
IAGTO is the global trade organisation for the golf tourism industry, comprising almost 2,400 accredited golf tour operators, golf resorts, hotels, golf courses, receptive operators, airlines, tourist boards, approved media and business partners in 98 countries. IAGTO operators control over 85% of golf holiday packages sold worldwide and their combined annual turnover exceed €2.1 billion each year.

About GEO
GEO (Golf Environment Organization) is an international non-profit organization, entirely dedicated to the advancement of sustainability in and through golf. For more information, go to www.golfenvironment.org and contact info@golfenvironment.org

Photos & logos
Photos and logos can be downloaded from: www.iagto.com/awards


Contact:
Guillaume post - Marketing & Communications Manager
IAGTO
Tel: +44 (0) 20 8906 3377
Website: www.iagto.com