Prince’s Golf Club in Kent has opted to join the growing movement to reduce the amount of plastic waste in golf by signing up to exclusively offer Ocean Tee’s bamboo golf tees.
An unique eight-week crowd initiative – which aims to use the buying power of 25 clubs across the UK to make a cost effective, sustainable statement – sees Prince’s make the switch to the environmentally friendly tees.
The move follows a pattern of other sustainable measures, as the historic Sandwich Club looks to enhance its positive environmental impact.
The club’s commitment has been driven by Course Manager, Sean McLean, who has managed the process of renovating all 27 holes on the rugged Kent coastline over the last two years.
Routed through grassy walkways, natural dunes, open sand-scrape areas and natural wetlands, the Prince’s links acts as a natural habitat for rare coastal species of flora and fauna, which the club has encouraged throughout the developments.
Despite the significant period of works, Prince’s has also successfully retained the internationally recognised GEO Certified® status for its outstanding work developing practical and valuable social and environmental results around the course and clubhouse.
The most respected certification for best practices of sustainability in golf, GEO Foundation’s independent audit noted a comprehensive and cohesive effort to foster nature, conserve resources and support the community.
Ocean Tee’s mission statement is to provide sustainably sourced bamboo golf tees to clubs, and organisations, while promoting sustainability and the fight against plastic pollution by donating 25% of corporate profits to charities targeting plastic pollution and to initiatives that promote the health of marine environments.
Bamboo, selected for its natural strength, flexibility and durability, grows at a far superior rate to hardwood used for traditional wooden tees and champions the drive to kick plastic out of clubs’ eco-system.
“It’s fantastic that Prince’s are joining the movement and furthering their commitment to an environmentally sustainable future,” said Ed Sandison, CEO of Ocean Tee Golf. “Being on the coastline and having such a strong connection to this wonderful, thriving eco system makes Prince’s a perfect partner for us.”
Rob McGuirk, General Manager of Prince’s Golf Club, commented: “Reducing our environmental impact is very important to us and as we move into a new decade, we feel it’s increasingly important to embrace sustainability and challenge ourselves to be aware of our impact on the landscape.
“We are proud to be partnering with Ocean Tee and are looking forward to seeing the impact out on the course as our members and guests get on board with the change.”