Golf facilities now have an ongoing and relevant resource to assist in their efforts to implement sustainable business practices.
Developed by The Environmental Institute for Golf (EIFG), the quarterly newsletter "Sustainable Golf Practices – Your Resource for Profitable Solutions" offers timely information that will help ensure golf facilities meet the needs of golfers today and tomorrow.
"Sustainability is about ensuring profitable businesses while making decisions that are in the long-term interest of the environment and communities," said Rhett Evans, CEO of the EIFG, the philanthropic organization of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America.
"Golf facilities are among the most sustainable small businesses we have. This electronic newsletter will offer insight from some of the foremost authorities on the subject inside and outside the golf industry. It will touch upon all aspects of the facility."
The newsletter is set for production quarterly. It will be distributed by the respective membership associations of those involved in operations of golf facilities including golf course superintendents (GCSAA), golf professionals (PGA of America), owners (NGCOA), architects (ASGCA) and builders (GCBAA). It will also reside on the EIFG website (eifg.org). The newsletter will feature four sections including a main story/case study; a column by Greg Lyman, GCSAA director of environmental programs; a guest column; and communications directed toward golfers. The content will focus primarily on water conservation, water quality, energy conservation and pollution prevention.
"The unique aspect of this communication is its facility-wide focus," Lyman said. "There are some great case studies and practices – both inside and outside of golf – being implemented that have widespread application. We will help facilities make a business case for sustainability and offer assistance on how to communicate it."
Funding for the newsletter will come from the Toro Giving Program. A long-time supporter of the EIFG, Toro has provided grants to fund GCSAA's Golf Course Environmental Profile, a series of surveys that for the first time provides a picture of the characteristics and management of golf courses.
"We are excited with the opportunity to get involved with this sustainability series," said Jim Heinze, director of sales and training for Toro's Commercial Business and member of the EIFG Advisory Council."It will be a great way to reach out to all golf facility operators with tools and resources to not only improve their environmental progress, but also the bottom line of their business. This investment builds on our past investments and is consistent with our desire to help the industry find sustainable solutions."
