Last week the European Institute of Golf Course Architect’s 9th Annual Conference witnessed the recognition of the Golf Environment Organisation (GEO) as a patron of the organisation, cementing a longstanding partnership between the two bodies.
GEO is a non profit body which specialises in golf’s sustainability, and which seeks to work with the golf industry to raise standards, achieve tangible outcomes and objectively appraise the sector’s performance. The organisation brings together a wide community of stakeholders, including thought leaders, golf and environmental organisations, scientists and businesses who believe that golf is stronger and more enjoyable as a result of being socially and environmentally responsible.
Speaking on behalf of the EIGCA, Environment Convenor Mike Wood said, “The EIGCA Council has rightly chosen to recognise the significant contribution of the Golf Environment Organisation (GEO) in the field of sustainable golf development. GEO have been working closely with EIGCA for more than 4 years now.
“Our role on GEO’s European Industry Forum has meant there has been constant communications and collaboration to the benefit of both organisations: our work together has included the formulation of EIGCA’s environmental policy, and most recently, a major multi-partner project to produce guidelines for Sustainability in Golf Development. EIGCA believes that with GEO’s drive and constructive support, the golf industry has come a long way in recent years and is now moving closer to being equipped to address the environmental challenges and opportunities that the future holds.”
Jonathan Smith expressed GEO’s perspective, “GEO are delighted to formalise our relationship with the EIGCA. We have worked together very productively over recent years. The EIGCA is an extremely important golf partner to us, given the role that EIGCA members play in delivering meaningful social and environmental outcomes in projects all over the world.
“The bar is rising in terms of government, customer and public expectation and it is very reassuring that at this dynamic time of change, the EIGCA has recognised the value of having a knowledgeable environmental partner.”
Both organisations are committed to sustainable golf development which respects people and the environment. It is this shared ethos which has given focus to the current project to develop guidelines for Sustainability in Golf Development, in partnership with The R&A and EGCOA, and the project’s exclusive sponsor Ransomes Jacobsen.
EIGCA www.eigca.org
Golf Environment Organisation www.golfenvironment.org