Shaughnessy Golf and Country Club

Notable Observations

• Salmon Habitat Restoration Through Invasive Removal Invasive Himalayan blackberry has been removed along Cutthroat Creek, allowing salmon to spawn further upstream than previously recorded.
• Active Protection of Bald Eagle Nesting Sites During bald eagle nesting season, maintenance activity around nesting trees is restricted to reduce disturbance.
• Pollinator Network with Beehives and Habitat Zones Beehives are installed across the course alongside designated pollination zones, with plans to expand their footprint.
• Data-Led Turf and Irrigation Management (Deacon App) The club uses the USGA Deacon app alongside soil moisture tracking and weather data to manage irrigation and identify areas for naturalisation. This is highlighted as one of the highest uses of data in North America.
• Adoption of Autonomous Electric Mowing Technology The facility is the first in Canada to adopt Firefly autonomous mowers. This reduces labour and fuel use while advancing lower impact maintenance practices.
• Dedicated Irrigation Specialist with Continuous Monitoring A full-time irrigation technician manages water use, using Toro Lynx systems, weather data and continuous course monitoring to optimise irrigation performance and efficiency.
• Partnership with Musqueam Nation The course operates on Musqueam Nation land, maintaining an active and respectful partnership with the community, including involvement in environmental aspects of course management and cultural connection to the site.
• Vancouver Turf Internship Programme Leadership The club is a leading participant in the Vancouver Turf Internship Program and hosts local turf management internships, supporting education and career pathways in the industry.

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“Shaughnessy Golf and Country Club stands out for its genuine, long-term commitment to sustainability. Their approach goes well beyond compliance; it reflects a culture of stewardship embedded in daily operations and long-range planning. From thoughtful water management and habitat enhancement to responsible turf practices and community engagement, the Shaughnessy team demonstrates a clear understanding that championship golf and environmental responsibility can – and should – go hand in hand. Shaughnessy is setting a meaningful example for how private golf facilities can protect natural resources, enhance biodiversity, and contribute positively to their surrounding ecosystems while maintaining exceptional playing conditions. Equally significant is Shaughnessy’s unique and respectful relationship with the Musqueam Nation. Together, their efforts position Shaughnessy as a meaningful example of how golf facilities can operate at the highest level while honouring environmental integrity and cultural partnership.”

Craig Dewey (GEO accredited independent verifier)