IGOLF update: News from October 1, 2009 to July 31, 2010
IGOLF is just over two years old, and we thought it would be instructive to review some of our achievements since the first news update, sent out in September, 2009.
Much of this work has been accomplished through your assistance and goodwill; we are appreciative of your efforts to promote environmental and social responsibility in golf.
Website
The IGOLF website is regularly updated.
IGOLF’s positioning
Several organizations in different parts of the world are involved in important golf/environmental work. IGOLF combines environmental and social objectives, we are global, we are inclusive (we seek to involve a diverse group of golf/environment/social-related people and organizations), and we aim to create a global social movement to promote environmental and social responsibility in the sport we love.
For a detailed concept and positioning statement: click here.
Golf and environment forums
These forums bring together national golf associations, golf course owners, people in golf-related businesses and the media to look at how golf courses can be made more environmentally-friendly, and in the process, save money. These forums also look at the need to re-position golf so that local tax authorities see the positive benefits that golf courses provide.
Additional forums in Singapore, Malaysia, Cambodia and Vietnam are under discussion .
Laureate courses
This program recognizes courses which provide an excellent golf experience coupled with proven commitment to environmental and social responsibility. Currently 25 courses in nine countries: The six new courses admitted since the last update:
- Indonesia
Finna Golf & Country Club Resort:
Reduced chemical use, irrigation water from rainfall, extensive biodiversity (many more bird species on the course than in adjacent lands) and tree planting program, electricity conservation. - Thailand
Banyan Golf Club, Hua Hin:
Ambitious environmental program, including reduced greenhouse gas emissions and energy efficiency. Self sufficient in water, composting of organic waste, recycling, ecosystem conservation and management. Assisting in development of solar power technology for golf carts.
Phokeethra Golf Krabi:
Designed by Major General Weerayudth Phetbuasak who also designed Phokeethra Country Club in Siem Reap, which is an IGOLF Laureate Course. Primarily uses rain water, and grey water from the resort and golf course clubhouse. No old and large trees were removed during construction; these were included in the course layout as natural obstacles. Extensive waste reduction and recycling program. Preliminary biodiversity census indicates that there is more, and more diverse, wildlife than previously, not only birds but also wild boar and deer. Walking-only course, no buggies.
Springfield Village Golf and Spa:
Special protection for endangered wildlife, innovative irrigation techniques to reduce water use, complete recycling of water, reduce chemical use, hand weeding, organic fertilizers. - Vietnam
Van Tri Golf Estate:
Original site largely bereft of wildlife, now large populations of birds and indicator species – frogs, snakes, dragonflies. No-spray buffer zone adjacent to any marsh water. Only club in Vietnam ISO 14001 certified. Reduced water use, modern irrigation systems; water comes from lakes built on course.
Royal Golf Club:
Complete water self-sufficiency, extensive tree planting, creation ecological zones, constructed on degraded land that was unsuitable for agriculture, no housing on the golf course itself.
2nd IGOLF Environment Tour
The 2nd Annual IGOLF Environment Tour event has been once again held at the IGOLF Laureate Course Lavaux Golf Course at the Lac de Bret in Puidoux, Switzerland. The event, in collaboration with MyGolf SA, took place on August 20, 2010.
Council of Experts
IGOLF is pleased to welcome new members of this Council who are expert in international environmental law, turfgrass science, new technologies, predicting trends in global green tourism, promoting fair labor laws and working conditions, and water management.
Click here for full list.
Use of IGOLF name and logo
The following organizations/people are authorized to use the IGOLF name and logo.
- IGOLF Laureate Courses
- Members of IGOLF Council of Experts
- Members of IGOLF Partnership Council
- Members of IGOLF Corporate Advisory Council
Contact to download the logo and guidelines: click here.
Thank you,
Paul Sochaczewski
IGOLF Chairman