A youth sponsorship initiative at Ramsdale Park Golf Centre, Nottingham, has helped the public pay-and-play facility earn the prestigious international sustainability ecolabel, GEO Certified®.
Viewed as the global mark for sustainability in golf businesses, GEO Certified® is administered by the Golf Environment Organization (GEO) according to strict codes set by ISEAL, the global leader in defining credibility in sustainability standards.
Ramsdale Park – part of BGL Golf, the UK’s leading course owner and operator – joins an elite group of less than 150 golf venues across the globe which have demonstrated the outstanding operational commitment to use natural resources efficiently and provide positive value to nature and people.
Tony Hanson, an independent verifier accredited by GEO, said: “Ramsdale Park is an excellent example of how the operational standards of a golf facility can maximise joint environmental and community efforts as a way to strengthen business.”
In order to achieve GEO Certified®, golf venues use an online programme to help them review, improve and record the efforts they undertake and are required to submit a report outlining how it comprehensively fulfils criteria in six areas: Nature, Water, Energy, Supply Chain, Pollution Prevention and Community.
A highlight in Ramsdale Park’s report references its partnership with Woodborough Woods Foundation School, Nottingham, whereby eight talented youngsters are offered a scholarship including free membership and coaching to assist their continued development in golf.
Alongside a raft of additional examples of Ramsdale Park engaging with the community, the junior scholarship initiative continues in 2014 with eight new students selected.
Nick Birch, Ramsdale Park Golf Centre General Manager, said: “Golf is a growing sport which has great health benefits and also teaches good social skills, fair play and etiquette. It is not a sport which Woodborough Woods Foundation School is able to offer, therefore we have created a partnership we are proud to continue.”
Ramsdale Park Golf Centre www.ramsdaleparkgc.co.uk
Golf Environment Organization www.golfenvironment.org