Boyne Golf receives first Green Ambassador recognition

E-Z-GO recently launched its Green Ambassador Program, recognizing golf courses throughout the country that are implementing sustainable environmental solutions, and honored Boyne Resorts as its first Green Ambassador.

E-Z-GO, a Textron Specialized Vehicles business, honors the prestigious “Michigan’s Magnificent 10” golf courses for their efforts to reduce their carbon footprint.

“We want to show others that golf courses can operate successfully with sustainability at the forefront, ensuring that we leave a positive legacy for future generations of golfers and outdoor enthusiasts,” Boyne golf operations SVP Josh Richter said. “Being a part of E-Z-GO’s Green Ambassador program is a great way for us to get that message out, share our sustainable practices with others, and lead by example.”

The Green Ambassador program is a new initiative by E-Z-GO as part of its larger commitment to sustainability. To qualify as a Green Ambassador, a course measures its business initiatives on a numerical scale. Question topics in key sections include:

• Habitat and water conservation
• Facilities and buildings
• Waste and recycling
• Education, advocacy and community outreach

Courses can apply online to be a Green Ambassador.

“We are very fortunate to have leaders like Boyne in the golf industry, who prioritize not only making the game of golf better, but also making the world a better, safer place to live,” said Adam Harris, VP and GM for E-Z-GO for Textron Specialized Vehicles.

In 2021, Boyne Resorts committed to a goal of net zero emissions across all 13 of their golf courses by 2030, dubbed the ForeverProject. From selective watering days, to the expansion of natural areas around fairways and building buffer zones around water features to decreasing the frequency of mowing fairways, the ForeverProject is now saving thousands of dollars and reducing emissions.

“It’s important to not only talk about ways to be sustainable, but turn conversations into actions,” said Mari Kissinger, director of sustainability for Boyne Golf. “We are proud of the hard work to better the environment that’s being accomplished in Michigan. We know other courses across the country will be inspired to act too.”

Boyne Golf is a collection of ten courses at three resorts: The Highlands, Boyne Mountain Resort and the Inn at Bay Harbor located within 15 miles of Petoskey, Michigan.

Richter said he hopes golfers will take note of the environmental work that’s being accomplished at Michigan’s Magnificent 10 courses, and challenges other courses to do the same.

“The more we can work together,” he said, “the quicker we can see positive changes for our courses, communities and the planet.”