Laguna Phuket Golf Club joins IGOLF Laureate Course program

One of the leading golf courses on the resort island of Phuket, Laguna Phuket Golf Club, became an IGOLF Laureate Course during a presentation ceremony today.

In presenting the Laureate Member certificate, IGOLF Chairman Paul Sochaczewski applauded the Club’s commitment to environmental action and improving the lives of people working for the course, and their families and neighbors.  “Laguna Phuket is an example of a golf club which takes both its environmental and social responsibilities seriously, with a variety of innovative actions.”

On the environmental side, Mr. Sochaczewski pointed out that Laguna Phuket maintains a “no-go” environmental area in the middle of the course; some 60 species of birds have been sighted and 30 species of fish have been recorded.  The course uses recycled water from the neighboring hotels and mixes in sea water to further reduce the amount of fresh water they use. They practice hand-weeding – even caddies are required to get their hands dirty – and practice “corrective spraying” which means less chemical use.  All fertilizer is organic.

On the social side, Laguna Phuket have created a self-managed training academy for staff, and an Child Care center for the children of staff.  They are one of the few clubs with a Corporate Social Responsibility department to liaise with and work with the local community.

Accepting the award, Tim Haddon, Laguna Phuket’s director of golf noted: “Laguna Phuket Golf Club, as part of the Laguna Phuket integrated resort complex,  recognizes that environmentalism goes far beyond best practices, extending out in to the wider local community.  “Becoming an IGOLF Laureate golf course reaffirms our commitment to the environment, our staff’s development and our social responsibility to the people of the extended community.”

Suwalai Pinpradab, director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Southern Region, congratulated the course.  “Laguna Phuket sets a high standard for other golf courses to follow, not just in Phuket but around the country.”  She added that TAT, which has joined the IGOLF Corporate Advisory Council, is well aware of the need for Thailand to take more positive and real steps to become environmentally and socially responsible.  “We encourage IGOLF’s initiative in Phuket and hopes that other responsible golf courses throughout the country will also join the IGOLF Laureate Course program,” she said.