The R&A will provide a significant package of funding, worth almost £¼ million over the next three years, for the international non-profit-making body, the Golf Environment Organization (GEO). The funding is intended to assist GEO to further establish itself as a credible and respected sustainability authority in golf.
The support will be invested directly into the ongoing development of GEO’s OnCourse™ programme – which supports and recognises the environmental and social performance of golf clubs.
Peter Dawson, Chief Executive of The R&A, said: “The R&A invests in initiatives that we believe are in the best interests of the sustainable development of the game. Our support for GEO will assist them in further developing a programme that can help golf clubs improve and gain recognition for their contributions to people and the environment. We believe this will be of great benefit to those working at golf facilities, and to the overall reputation of golf.”
GEO’s Chief Executive Officer, Jonathan Smith, commented: “GEO is dedicated to supporting golf with credible advocacy, guidance and recognition. This funding will enable us to provide greater support to both clubs and our national partners, and to promote the programme more strongly to drive participation. We are very grateful to The R&A for this developmental backing.”
GEO works in partnership with an international network of golf industry organisations, leading environmental groups and corporate sponsors, including the European Tour, European Golf Association, United Nations Environment Programme, the British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association, the Federation of European Golf Greenkeepers Associations, and the Club Managers Associations of Europe, America and China. Over the last 18 months, GEO has joined forces with a number of national golf federations to jointly promote the OnCourse™ programme.
The announcement follows the recent launch of the GEO Legacy Guidance for Sustainable Golf Development, a project that was supported by a grant from The R&A.
GEO, the OnCourse™ programme and Legacy Guidelines, visit golfenvironment.org