Date Published: 13/12/2023
Sustainability may not be the main thing on your mind when you approach the first tee on a golf course. But, without making huge changes to your routine, there are certain good-practice habits you can implement to increase sustainability in your golf game.
Walking from one hole to the next is not only great for your health, it also reduces the carbon emissions associated with using golf carts. This small change can have a significant impact over time, especially on shorter courses where walking is an easy option.
Golf course sustainability doesn’t have to start after you arrive. Carpooling to the course is a simple yet effective way to cut down on fuel consumption and emissions. This approach not only benefits the environment but can also be a fun and social start to your golfing day.
Another example of the power of small changes, drinking from a reusable water bottle significantly reduces the amount of single-use plastic that ends up in landfills. Nowadays, many golf courses are environmentally friendly, offering water refill stations and making it easier to stay hydrated.
Did you know that you get golf balls made from biodegradable materials? These are an excellent alternative to traditional golf balls, which can take centuries to decompose. Eco-friendly golf balls are designed to fly and roll exactly like regular golf balls, making their use an easy win for golf sustainability.
Similar to using eco-friendly balls, golfers can opt for golf gear made from sustainable, recycled, or organic materials. Not only does this reduce your environmental footprint, but eco-friendly clothing is now commonplace, with options that don’t compromise on quality or performance.
Recycling reduces waste and is the easiest way to keep the course and its surroundings clean and green. Most environmentally friendly golf courses provide recycling facilities for items like plastic wrappers, bottles, and other recyclable materials.
Depending on where you stay, this may be more difficult to achieve than some of the other tips. But, where possible, supporting golf courses with a focus on sustainability encourages more eco-friendly initiatives within the golfing community.
Sustainability in golf isn’t a secret! Share your sustainable practices and insights with fellow golfers. Encouraging others to adopt environmentally friendly habits will amplify the impact on your favourite golf course – and on the environment.
iGolf is a subscription-based app specifically designed for non-club members. It enables you to track your performances and engage with friends and other golfers. iGolf provides a greater connection between non-club members and their local courses.
Simply sign up, download the England Golf app and login to gain access to the iGolf platform. Benefits include: