STRI is pleased to announce that the 2010 Golf Environment Awards programme has reached a far reaching audience, with a refreshing number of first time entrants taking part this year. This is a clear sign that interest in the environment is continuing to spread throughout the golfing industry and that many more golf clubs are now sharing their achievements, in the hope that others may follow suit.
This year has shown a clear indication that the need to become more efficient has been an additional driver towards changing golf course practices and many clubs entering the awards have developed innovative and imaginative methods of increasing their efficiency and lowering costs, whilst, at the same time, enhancing the quality of their product – the golf course. This is certainly true of this year’s winner of the overall prize – Portmore Golf Park.
This 36 hole golf facility near Tiverton, Devon is a shining example of how a golf course can maintain top quality playing surfaces whilst running as a financially sustainable business and having a positive impact on the environment. Director Colin Webber and his team have reviewed every conceivable aspect of golf course operation and developed innovative ways of maximising efficiency.
The Conservation Greenkeeper of the Year, James Hutchinson of Fairhaven Golf Club, came out top in a closely fought contest for his tireless dedication toward ecological and environmental enhancement. The changes brought about at the club in recent times have not only increased opportunities for wildlife but have further enhanced the aesthetic and strategic qualities of the course.
All entrants to this year’s awards have been high quality and it is unfortunate that only ten prizes can be handed out. Needless to say, this year’s ten winners (listed below) are of the highest order and are representative of those clubs with the greatest understanding of today’s environmental issues and how these can be used to ensure both compliance with legislation and course enhancement.
- Overall Winner – Portmore Golf Park
- Conservation Greenkeeper of the Year – James Hutchinson, Fairhaven Golf Club
- Scottish Regional Award – Loch Lomond Golf Club
- Northern Regional Award – Silloth on Solway Golf Club
- Welsh Regional Award – Aberdovey Golf Club
- Southern Regional Award – Aldeburgh Golf Club
- Nature Conservation Award – Delamere Forest Golf Club
- Turfgrass Management Award – Royal St. David’s Golf Club
- Waste Management Award – Machrihanish Dunes Golf Club
- Water Management Award – Maesteg Golf Club
The Golf Environment Awards are sponsored by turf care equipment companies Ransomes Jacobsen and Campey Turf Care Systems, turf company County Turf, fertilizer and plant protection company Scotts, seed and plant protection company Syngenta and media sponsors Golf Monthly and Pitchcare.
STRI www.stri.co.uk