TPC Southwind

Notable Observations

• Extensive Native and Natural Areas Around 18–20 acres of the property are managed as native or naturalised areas, receiving minimal mowing, irrigation, and chemical inputs, while supporting wildlife habitat.
• Active Bluebird Conservation Partnership The course works with the Tennessee Bluebird Society and a local garden club to install and monitor bird boxes. Twelve birdhouses and six wood duck boxes are currently in place and actively monitored.
• Wildlife-Rich Water and Buffer Network Lakes, creeks, and buffer zones (6–10 feet) support a wide range of wildlife including turtles, bats, deer, foxes, and numerous bird species, with water present on 11 holes.
• Rainwater Capture and Lake-Based Irrigation Rainfall is captured across a large watershed and stored in on-site lakes, which supply irrigation water alongside a permitted deep well system, reducing reliance on external water sources.
• Targeted Irrigation Only on Playing Surfaces Irrigation is limited strictly to essential playing areas and is informed by rain gauges, soil moisture checks, and weather data logged through PlayBooks.
• Large-Scale Recycling of Renovation Materials During recent renovations, hundreds of tonnes of greens mix were recycled and repurposed elsewhere on the course, and aeration cores are reused around trees as topdressing.
• Long-Running Charity Impact Through Tournament Golf Since the tournament moved permanently to the site, the FedEx St. Jude Championship has helped raise over USD 38 million for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, supported by around 1,800 volunteers annually.
• First Green and Youth Education Hosting The facility hosts First Green STEAM education events, welcoming K–12 students for hands-on learning about turf, water, soil, wildlife, and golf careers using the course as a living classroom.

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“TPC Southwind in Memphis, TN USA is truly a testament to environmental stewardship and sustainable practices throughout the golf course property, incorporating elements such as drought tolerant grasses, sustainable irrigation practices, strategic programs to promote golfing awareness, and implementing various initiatives to help combat plastic wastes and environmental protection. The golf course maintenance team exhibits professionalism and supports being responsible for creating and maintaining a better environment on and around the golf course. And the entire club team demonstrates professionalism, cooperation, effective communication skills, and an obvious passion for the environment, their profession, the club, the members, the community and their colleagues. Long-tenured staff is indicative of the level of dedication and respect of each employee for the golf course and the environment. I look forward to seeing continued and expanded successes throughout the facility with energy conservation; habitat renewal, encouragement, protection and signage; and expanded use of collegiate internships and university test plots on site.“

Eddie D. Seagle, Ed. D. (GEO accredited independent verifier)