Estonian Golf and Country Club, part of the European Tour Properties network, has demonstrated its dedication to sustainable business practices to earn the prestigious international mark, GEO Certified™.
The resort, ranked among the Top 100golf courses in Continental Europe by Golf World magazine, joins an elite group of golf venues to have earned the distinction, which is certified by the Golf Environment Organization (GEO).
The international ecolabel is the global benchmark for sustainability in golf businesses and is administered by GEO according to strict codes set by ISEAL, the global leader in defining credibility in sustainability standards.
In achieving the certification, Estonian Golf & Country Club followed the industry backed free On Course™ programme to compile a report detailing how it meets specific criteria in protecting and enhancing the natural environment, efficient resource use and community value.
Congratulating the club, Jonathan Smith, Chief Executive of GEO, said: “Estonian Golf & Country Club has viewed its operations through a sustainability lens since opening, evidenced by the natural look of the courses and the ever higher standard the team is achieving.
“The independent verifier who visited the course noted, in particular, excellent use of its geographic location, drawing irrigation water directly from the JägalaRiver, just before it flows into the Gulf of Finland, plus the venue’s efforts to move closer and closer to organic.”
In another example of its level of commitment to sustainability, Estonian Golf & Country Club employed the expertise of industry-renowned agronomist Ian MacMillan, who has experience in managing the turf at venues as diverse as Open Championship rota courses and Premier League football grounds.
Ian said: “Estonian Golf & Country Club has gone the extra mile, and beyond the minimum requirements of the certification criteria.
“An example of this is using naturally occurring products instead of chemicals, which nullifies the requirement for imported supplies such as fungicides and ultimately minimises the club’s carbon footprint by using locally sourced products.”
As part of the European Tour Properties network, Estonian Golf & Country Club is expected to present a world-class level of on and off-course facilities guaranteed to provide a memorable golfing experience to all members and visitors.
David MacLaren, Director of Property and Venue Development at The European Tour, commented: “The Member Venues of the European Tour Properties network take it upon themselves to set a precedent for excellence in golf club operations across the continent; something Estonian Golf & Country Club excels at, as is demonstrated by its GEO certification.”
Hanno Kross, Estonian Golf & Country Club Chief Executive, said: “We are dedicated to continued enhancement and development and the GEO Certified ecolabel is an important milestone as it verifies the manner in which we operate. We believe sustainability is good for golf and good for business.”
To read Estonian Golf & Country Club’s GEO report, visit: www.golfenvironment.org/directory/205_estonian_golf_country_club
Estonian Golf & Country Club www.egcc.ee