Golf & the Environment
The Golf & the Environment Initiative is a collaborative effort between
the golf industry, the environmental community, and government organizations.
The mission of this voluntary coalition is, "to enhance golf course
environmental responsibility and performance through cooperation in environmental
stewardship and public education." The project was initiated by CRM
as the result of a strategic assessment of the Pebble Beach Resort Company
in 1994-1995. From the very beginning, the Golf & the Environment
Initiative has been guided by a broad-based steering committee that represents
the golf industry, the US Environmental Protection Agency, and the environmental
community. This group provides direction and balance for all project activities.
The Golf & Environment Initiative works as a collaborative partnership
to produce educational materials, consensus policy documents, and multi-stakeholder
events to promote and enhance environmental stewardship for the nation’s
golf courses. CRM is responsible for project management, facilitation
and fund raising.
Some of the initiative’s accomplishments include:
Environmental Principles for the United States. Since publishing the Principles in 1996, over 26,000 copies have been distributed.
Two national demonstration projects at Widow’s Walk Golf Course in Scituate, Massachusetts and the Presidio Golf Course in San Francisco, California.
Educational videos explaining the Principles and the national demonstration projects.
Three national stakeholder conferences in Pebble Beach, California; Pinehurst, North Carolina; and Orlando, Florida.
A "Collaboration Guide" book to encourage and provide guidance for local partnerships and cooperative environmental problem solving at the community and golf course level.
"Environmental Siting Guide for Golf Course Development." Just completed, this consensus guide provides golf course developers with practical advice on the golf course site selection process and what "red flags" they should avoid.
Current projects and activities include the following:
Environmental Performance Measurement Program – conducted in partnership with the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America. This effort includes an annual survey and environmental profile report of the nation’s golf courses.
Environmental Principles Checklist – a self assessment tool for golf courses to evaluate their compliance with the Principles.
Superfund Site Reuse Guide for Golf Course Development
Department of Defense Demonstration Project and Environmental Handbook for Military Golf Courses
Golf & the Environment Initiative Web Site