Thursday 25th July 2024, Carnoustie, Scotland: Carnoustie Golf Links is proud to announce its recertification by GEO Sustainable Golf Foundation, reaffirming its status as a global leader in sustainable golf course and business management. This prestigious recognition highlights Carnoustie’s ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship, responsible use of natural resources and social value within the golfing community.
Making the announcement during The Senior Open presented by Rolex, Chief Executive of Carnoustie Golf Links, Michael Wells said: “We are incredibly proud to have been awarded our recertification by GEO Foundation, which underscores our unwavering dedication to protecting and enhancing the ecology of our courses. Announcing this achievement during The Senior Open presented by Rolex feels particularly fitting, as it strongly aligns with the sustainability values of the DP World Tour, the European Tour Group and The R&A and gives us a great opportunity to tell our story to a global audience.”
Carolyn Hedley, independent verifier accredited by GEO Certification Ltd, praised Carnoustie Golf Links for its exceptional dedication to sustainability. "As an internationally renowned championship venue that has been GEO Certified since 2013, I was pleased to see Carnoustie Golf Links demonstrate that they are still leading the way in sustainable golf management,” said Hedley “The whole team, on and off the course, take sustainability very seriously and examples of best environmental practice are evident across all departments. This has been reflected in the number of sustainability related awards that have been bestowed on them in recent years."
Carnoustie Golf Links continues to set benchmarks in the industry by surpassing standard best practices and compliance, advancing innovative partnership projects that yield significant long-term benefits environmentally, economically, and socially.
Amongst the standout activities contributing to Carnoustie’s recertification are the ongoing efforts towards achieving carbon net zero in collaboration with ClearVUE.Business and GEO Sustainable Golf Foundation, the Seagreen tree planting project, and the comprehensive Golf BioBlitz supported by The R&A Foundation. Additionally, the increased use of digital monitoring systems and active community engagement through biodiversity events like the recent Bioblitz have garnered significant acclaim.
Craig Boath, Head of Sustainability at Carnoustie Golf Links said: “Our teams take great pride in continuously improving the sustainability of our estate, ensuring that environmental stewardship and social value are at the core of our operations. This commitment also allows a diverse range of community groups to enjoy Carnoustie Golf Links year-round. Sustainability is central to everything we do.”
The dedication and expertise in sustainability at Carnoustie Golf Links are commendable, with ambitious goals set for the future. Hedley concluded, "The sustainability expertise at Carnoustie Golf Links is high and the long-term ambition even higher, so I look forward to seeing what more can be achieved in the coming years."
Edward Kitson, Championship Director of The Senior Open Presented by Rolex, said: “We are very pleased to hear Carnoustie Golf Links has been recertified by the GEO Foundation ahead of this week’s Senior Open Presented by Rolex.
“We enjoy being able to take this Championship, as well as our other events, to GEO certified venues as we continue our longer term ambitions to reach Net Zero.
“Carnoustie have a big focus on sustainability and we are pleased to see they have been rewarded in this way.”
Carole Kerrey, Director of GEO Certification, said: “GEO Sustainable Golf Foundation has been proud to support and recognise the achievements of Carnoustie Golf Links for the last 11 years. As one of the early pioneers to achieve golf’s international sustainability certification, Carnoustie has integrated sustainability throughout their operations, including the appointment of Craig Boath as a full-time Head of Sustainability. Their ongoing progress around best practices and innovative projects to push ahead even further serves as an inspiration that we have been pleased to share throughout the global golf community.”
Andrew Baptie, Head of Club Services & Governance at Scottish Golf said: “Sustainable management practice is an important topic for golf clubs in Scotland, and Carnoustie Golf Links has recognised the need to embed sustainability into all their course and business operations. We are delighted that our deepening partnership with GEO Sustainable Golf Foundation is enabling clubs in Scotland to access increased support on this topic, helping bring tangible benefits to the course environment, and club health in general”
Carnoustie Golf Links’ recertification by the GEO Foundation underscores its commitment to preserving the environment and fostering a sustainable future for golf. This achievement reinforces the course’s reputation as not only a premier golfing destination but also a steward of sustainable practices.
