The important role played at golf clubs by PGA professionals was highlighted with a special presentation at The Open Championship.
Coventry Golf Club, under the leadership of head professional Phil Weaver, received recognition of it becoming the first club in England to become ecolabel GEO Certified™.
The accolade recognizes the Midland club’s outstanding sustainability efforts across their parkland course, clubhouse, and reaching out into the surrounding community.
Weaver, who is also the course manager, joined club captain Keith Lindsay in receiving a certificate from GEO board member Gordon Shepherd on behalf of the club at the PGA’s annual eve of Open reception.
The club has embraced sustainability with positive results for the environment and economic benefits to the golf business.
Weaver commented: “We recognise the pressures on the environment at large and understand that golf clubs have an important responsibility to take their stewardship of the land seriously.
“In the last few years we have become much more aware and active, making sustainability a consideration in every decision we make. The GEO OnCourse™ programme was easy to follow and made sure we thought about a wide range of practical areas and there were suggestions for improvements as we went along.”
Weaver worked in close conjunction with colleagues including the club captain, club member Professor Ian Foster, and past captain and president Robin Bussell to drive the project forward.
Matt Johns, of the environmental consultancy Johns Associates and a GEO Sustainability Associate (GEOSA), praised the club’s efforts: “What was particularly impressive was the range of environmental aspects covered by the club’s activities. From use of treated effluent for irrigation, to working with the local river’s geomorphology, to renewables, waste management. A great deal of passion, focus, and pride was evident and they have demonstrated commitment, innovation and real-world results.”
Sandy Jones, chief executive of The PGA, added that the efforts of Weaver exemplified the positive contribution many PGA pros make at golf facilities the length and breadth of the UK. “PGA members bring a wealth of skill and expertise to the golf industry and Phil Weaver’s example at Coventry highlights the significant impact they can make,” he said.
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