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Carnoustie Golf Links has become just the second Open Championship venue to be certified by the Golf Environment Organisation (GEO).
The GEO certification was awarded after Carnoustie Golf Links proved it had met a wide range of stringent standards in areas such as nature conservation, water conservation, energy usage and pollution control.
The award also recognises that Carnoustie Golf Links is committed to continual improvement in a wide range of sustainable practises moving forwards.
“We are delighted to announce that the Carnoustie Golf Links has passed the stringent standards required to obtain GEO certification,” confirmed Graeme Duncan, General Manager of the Carnoustie Golf Links Management Committee (CGLMC).
“The R&A has requested that all Open Championship venues obtain GEO certification and we were happy to oblige because for some time we have been committed to a wide range of sustainable practices that will benefit the Links and the wider area as a whole.”
Since 2007 the maintenance programmes for all three Carnoustie courses have adhered to practices set out in a comprehensive Ecological Management Plan prepared for the CGLMC by the Sports Turf Research Institute (STRI). In addition, the town’s Championship course also receives an annual Ecological Assessment by the STRI on behalf of the R&A in accordance with its position on the Open Championship rota.
The GEO applauds the CGLMC for its adherence to sustainable practices.
It recognises its recent OnCourse Survey “provides evidence of solid and growing commitment by the CGLMA to wider sustainability issues. Progress to date, implemented through a dedicated environmental sub-group, is considered to form a very sound basis for continued improvement.”
Within the GEO’s OnCourse Report the CGLMC received particular for a number of key achievements including:
- • Long term restoration of a true links landscape through the removalof introduced tree plantations of non-indigenous species.
- • Continued high standards of low-input maintenance of turfgrass swards contributing to the re-establishment as an Open Venue and current pre-eminence as a championship venue.
- • The recent new development project on the Buddon course implemented to the highest environmental standards.
- • A highly efficient irrigation system sourced from natural groundwater.
- • A recent energy audit providing the basis for a significant reduction in consumption.
- • Intelligent conservation and re-use of on-site soil resources providing substantial savings in resource consumption.
- • The pivotal role of the Links in the Angus economy as one of its key tourism assets and
- • Its direct partnership with the community through the Links Management Committee and Angus Council and creation of a strong awareness in the community of the Links as good environmental stewards.
A comprehensive Executive Summary of the GEO’s report on Carnoustie Golf Links can be found on the organisation’s website at www.golfenvironment.org.