Dundonald Links has achieved the highly respected GEO Certified status for a fourth time, recognising its outstanding long-term commitment and effort to promoting environmental and social sustainability.
The acclaimed Ayrshire resort is part of a select list of GEO Certified courses in the UK to achieve the credible standard for sustainable golf resort operations – and just the 40th worldwide to have accredited the award for a fourth time.
To meet the high sustainability standards required, golf venues must demonstrate excellence in key areas: nature (including turfgrass management and pollution prevention); resources such as water usage and energy consumption; and community, which examines employment, partnerships and outreach among other factors.
Dundonald Links first achieved GEO Certified status in 2013. Some of the outstanding initiatives that saw the resort renew its certification include being a co-creator and founding member of the large-scale Ayrshire rewilding Nectar Network programme, introduce several habitat and management plans and install a living roof on its clubhouse. Topdressing sand is also mined from site and all glass clipping are composted onsite and returned to the golf course as part of construction projects.
Elsewhere, the resort has also invested in its staff, including offering a cycle to work scheme, free use of the gym and free training through the Darwin Academy, introduced a robust sustainable procurement statement to provide a clear framework for decision makers, and is providing free EV charging points on site.
Frank Clarkson, group superintendent at Darwin Escapes, said: “It’s an honour to achieve re-certification for the fourth time and a testament to the team’s hard work and passion. At Dundonald Links, we are extremely proud of our Ayrshire heritage. It’s an area renowned for its beautiful landscapes, enviable larder, and golfing history. By embedding sustainability strategy fully into daily operations, we can position ourselves as a leader within the golfing community; respond to challenges, and work towards the Global 2030 agenda for Sustainable Development.
“We pledge our commitment to preserving heritage, strengthening community links, investing in people, and managing our impact as we continue the journey in pursuit of sustainable golf.”
GEO Certification is assured by GEO Foundation – the not-for-profit organisation dedicated to delivering programmes that help people on the ground to evaluate, improve and credibly communicate their sustainability work across the agenda of nature, resources, community and climate action.
Carole Kerrey, director of certification and reporting at GEO, said: “It is fantastic to be able to award the sustainability efforts of Dundonald Links for a fourth time with certification. Since 2013, the facility has continued to show a level of commitment to growing their positive impact and serving as a source of inspiration for golf clubs around the world. We look forward to continuing to recognise and grow alongside Dundonald Links in the years to come.”
Dundonald Links is one of three golf courses within the Darwin Escapes network alongside The Springs Resort & Golf Club in Oxfordshire and Kilnwick Percy Resort & Golf Club in East Yorkshire.