01 Mar 2024
The Highlight of the Month competition in collaboration with BIGGA showcases action from grassroots community clubs to large tournament venues, helping to inspire more and more clubs and individuals to get involved.
Real-life examples of sustainable practices from courses around the world feature each month, with the chance to vote on X, formerly Twitter, for a favourite highlight from the finalists across key themes of fostering nature, conserving resources, taking climate action and strengthening communities.
Over recent months a range of excellent winners have topped the monthly poll.
Kedleston Park GC in England secured the first Highlight of the Month award of 2024 for their role in introducing pupils from the Royal School for the Deaf in Derby to the game. PGA Assistant professional Phil Richards visited the school to teach 50 pupils, with many of them then returning to the club for coaching sessions.
“The pupils are enjoying hitting full shots at the club now,” he said. “They might not hear the shot but a combination of the feel of a good strike and then seeing the shot sailing 100 yards is highly satisfying, as you can see from the smiles on their faces each time.”
The initiative was made possible through past Captain Phil Cleaver, who has links with the school, and discretionary funding from the Golf Foundation.
Kedleston Park Golf Club coaching pupils from Royal School of Deaf Derby
Carnoustie Golf Links is a world-renowned golf course and leader in sustainability with Sustainable Golf Champion Craig Boath sharing many inspirational highlights. The club’s social impact included 21 local community groups and individuals benefitting during their 2023 Community Benefits Awards evening, helping Carnoustie secure December’s vote.
Corhampton Golf Club’s Ecology Group caught the eye as another monthly highlight winner. Keith Waldon, a member of the Ecology Group, shared how the group had come together.
“Back in 2018, Butterfly Conservation provided guidance to encourage butterflies to breed in the non-playing areas of the course,” he explained. “Three scrapes were prepared, which together with areas of grassland and hedgerow management resulted in a healthy species-rich environment for both flora, fauna, and small mammals.
“Seed to attract butterflies was sown, and an Ecology Group was formed from Club members comprising about 12 people who carry out regular transects to record the butterflies between April and September. A grant from the Woodland Trust also enabled 150 saplings to be planted with help from the group members to replace trees lost to ‘Ash Die Back’.
“The group is still going strong and now records all species seen on the course. This enables a comparison on a year-by-year basis of the ecological improvement at Corhampton Golf Club.”
Members of the Corhampton Golf Club Ecology Group
The role of sustainable golf in strengthening communities is a key theme among the many highlights each month. Lahinch Golf Club in Ireland, for example as July’s winner, has established a Community Support Fund to assist in furthering beneficial programs and developments locally and highlights the Club’s dedication to fostering a vibrant and prosperous community.
Whether it's the revitalisation of public spaces, the creation of recreational facilities, or the implementation of environmentally friendly projects, by investing in such initiatives Lahinch Golf Club acknowledges the importance of creating a sustainable future while promoting the overall well-being of the local area and its people.
John Gleeson, Chair of Council, said: “Sustainability is at the forefront of every decision we make at Lahinch Golf Club, whether it’s about the golf course, the clubhouse or the local community. The objective of the community fund is to offer financial support for local projects that enhance the visual impact and sustainability of Lahinch while improving leisure and other facilities. Over the past number of years, the community fund has supported local initiatives including the tidy towns and Christmas lights projects and has purchased defibrillators that are located within the village. We are proud of the impact we have had so far and look forward to continuing to grow our sustainable culture”.
Lahinch Golf Club
Royal Cinque Ports was another monthly winner for their support of Pilgrims Hospice, which offers care and support to individuals coping with incurable illness.
Nigel Saunders, Club Captain in 2022, said: "As Captain of Royal Cinque Ports GC, I wanted a local charity that could benefit from my year. For personal reasons, I chose Pilgrim’s Hospice, an East Kent Charity that helps people who are nearing end of life. They are dependent on donations to facilitate their three homes. Each year they assist over 2,500 people. They do not charge for their support, but it costs considerable sums to help so many.
“The members and staff of RCP were truly remarkable in raising over £50,000. Without voluntary support and contributions, Pilgrims would not be able to carry out this wonderful work for deserving local recipients."
Nigel Saunders presented the cheque to Pilgrims Hospice
More than 2,000 proven examples are already available on the sustainable golf highlights hub and any golf facility can enter by sharing a Sustainable Golf Highlight before the end of each month through the easy–to–use tool. So get involved today!
Follow Sustainable Golf on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn to see more highlights and updates from the sustainable golf community. And don’t forget to cast your vote each month.
