The Grove,London’s inspiring country escape, continues to win awards for outstanding achievement, underlined by being named ‘Environmental Golf Course of the Year’ at the Golf Environment Awards 2022.
These important industry accolades, managed and administered by STRI, reward outstanding golf courses, no matter how big or small, for the time and effort they have put into protecting and preserving their unique surroundings, with clear objectives and targets.
Watch Head Greenkeeper, Sam Reid, discuss The Grove’s sustainable practices HERE
The Grove, which features an award-winning Top 100 ranked 18-hole championship golf course designed by Kyle Phillips, fought off strong competition from some of Europe’s leading golf destinations to win this prestigious accolade, which follows a trio of wins at the recent 59club Awards, the golf industry ‘Oscars’ for service and hospitality.
Commenting on the Environmental Golf Course of the Year accolade, Phillip Chiverton, Golf Course and Estate Manager at The Grove, said: “This award, which underlines a huge team effort at The Grove, recognises how we continue to successfully introduce environmentally sustainable management projects across and around our 18-hole golf course, and throughout the gardens and wider estate.
“These projects are achieving an increase in habitat varieties, significantly improving playing experiences for our daily fee-paying golfing guests, and providing a positive contribution to wildlife across the wider estate.”
The Grove’s Roll of Honour 2022:
- Environmental Golf Course of the Year, Golf Environment Awards 2022.
- Golf Manager of the Year – Brad Gould, 59club (second year running).
- Greenkeeper of the Year – Phillip Chiverton, 59club (second year running).
- Leading Individual Group Golf Sales Performance – Joel Westwell, 59club.
- Gold Flag Destination, 59club – Industry benchmark for exceptional service.
The Grove, was also recently awarded GEO Certified® status. GEO Certified is the symbol of a great golf environment, confirming the facility satisfies all the certification criteria; meeting a credible standard in the areas of nature, resources, climate and community, and is committed to continual improvement.
Anna Darnell, Resort Leisure Director at The Grove, concluded: “This long list of industry awards recognises an incredible team effort that is delivered every day at The Grove. Our products and standards are first class, but it’s our dedicated people who deserve all the credit for bringing it to life, for the benefit of our customers.”
At-a-glance: Sustainability in Golf at The Grove
- Rainfall compensation system creates annual water savings of up to 30%.
- Computer monitoring of soil moisture levels accurately deliver water by volume and location.
- Minimised areas of managed turf reduce mowing, irrigation and use of chemicals.
- Collaboration with Hertfordshire & Middlesex Wildlife Trust created areas of naturalised habitat, including River Gade chalk stream conservation, maintenance of native fescue grasses, and the introduction of wildflower areas (Operation Pollinator).
- New wetland area within woodland, creating new environments for newts, frogs, water vowels and dragonflies.
- Ongoing investment in renewable energy programmes.
- Active management of woodlands, creating new habitats for wildlife and replanting where appropriate.
The 18-hole rolling parkland golf course remains the only venue in the UK to have hosted a World Golf Championship event (in 2006, won by Tiger Woods). It has also hosted the DP World Tour’s British Masters in 2016.
For further information: www.thegrove.co.uk