In an exclusive interview for GBN, Richard Windows, Assistant Director of Sustainable Agronomy at The R&A, and John Kemp, Assistant Director of Sustainable Golf Development, discuss their work at BTME and the growing collaboration between The R&A and the USGA – and why that partnership is so important for the future of the industry.
Richard reflects on a strong 2025 for The R&A’s agronomy team, highlighting the continued global growth of the department and the success of The R&A’s Championships from an agronomy perspective.
He also provides insight into the Championship Agronomy Programme, how it supports tournament venues, and the key priorities and targets for the team heading into 2026 – both for Championships and for golf courses around the world.
John discusses GC2030 and how it addresses the opportunities, threats and challenges facing the industry. He outlines The R&A’s ambitions through research and education and explains how greenkeepers and course managers can access practical tools, resources and fact sheets via The R&A website to support both current and future course management practices.
He also highlights the role of GreenLinks and its activations at Championships, which help The R&A share powerful sustainability stories, showcase the positive work being carried out by golf courses, and engage both spectators and the wider golfing community.
The interview concludes with Richard explaining how professionals across the industry can connect with The R&A’s agronomy team for advice, guidance and support on research, education and course management.
For further information:
The R&A’s agronomy team contact is via sustainableagronomy@randa.org
The R&A Sustainable Golf website is https://www.randa.org/sustainable-golf