13 Oct 2023
Fostering Nature Scorecard - the full 18 holes
Throughout Sustainable Golf Week, we have built a Fostering Nature Scorecard, revealing actionable steps that every golfer, club, or supporter can take to enhance golf's connection with nature and make it truly #BetterWithNature.
The full 18 'holes' on the scorecard provides a good round of actions, each representing an opportunity to contribute to a more nature-friendly golfing experience.
How many of these can you score on, pick up a few shots or something to aspire to an work towards over the next 12 months before the next Sustainable Golf Week?
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#1 Reflect on the significance of nature decline – locally to globally
Biodiversity loss intensifies climate change and weakens resilience to extreme weather. Sustainable Golf Week prompts reflection on these impacts. Are you experiencing climate change effects? How can you integrate natural features and ecosystems into your golf course to mitigate these stressors?
#2 Reimagine the value of nature in golf
People are drawn to golf for various reasons, from course parameters to the natural environment. How does nature enhance your golf experience? Could a deeper integration of natural features enrich the value of golf for you, your club, and your community?
#3 As a golfer, start a list of what more you think you could do
Consider practical steps as a golfer to protect, restore, and promote nature. Identify specific habitat support, conservation efforts, and suggestions for your club. Celebrate the nature around you.
#4 As a club, create a list of what more you think your club/course could do
Extend the journey to nature-positive golf beyond course design. Integrate nature stewardship into your club's ethos and policy, fostering an appreciation for flora and fauna among players, staff, and communities.
#5 Avoid pollution risks
Minimize risks by documenting emergency spill responses and creating buffer zones near water bodies. Vegetative strips and precision management of playing surfaces can prevent contamination. How else can you reduce pollution risks?
#6 Identify key ecological hot spots and priority species
Create a habitat map of the golf course, showcasing areas that support diverse ecosystems. Recording species can inform habitat management strategies and gain recognition for conservation efforts. Consider partnerships with local conservation organizations.
#7 Plan projects to avoid unnecessary damage and disturbance to habitats
Choose the best form of habitat management, whether it's significant intervention or allowing nature to run its course. Seek diversity in plant species to conserve and enhance biodiversity. Preserve core habitat patches and create habitat corridors.
#8 List key products and materials and consider hidden impacts on nature
List purchased products and materials, evaluating their environmental impact and supply chains. Develop sustainable procurement policies, explore reduction, reuse, and recycling, and communicate these steps to your team.
#9 Prioritize native species
Plant native trees, shrubs, grasses, and flowers to benefit local wildlife and create an authentic regional character for the golf course.
#10 Minimize intensive managed turf
Convert intensively managed turf to roughs or grasslands to provide habitat, enhance biodiversity, and create a more natural experience for golfers.
#11 Increase patch size and connectivity
Preserve core habitat patches and maintain habitat corridors for species movement and breeding. Wider, more natural corridors are more effective.
#12 Create new micro-habitats for key species
Leave dead trees, stumps, and leaf litter to enrich ecosystems and support biological control. Install bird boxes and bug hotels to attract predators.
#13 Celebrate and take pride in nature at the golf course
A biodiverse golf course enhances the golfing experience and adds community, ecosystem service, and shot value.
#14 Comunicate the needs and benefits of biodoversity
Conduct nature-restoration training, add signs identifying habitat areas, and communicate the needs and benefits of biodiversity.
#15 Engage with walks, talks and more
Promote multifunctionality by engaging players, staff, and communities in nature walks, talks, and outdoor education activities.
#16 Track your nature practices and key metrics
Use OnCourse, a free cloud-based program, to review and track sustainability practices and metrics.
#17 Share your stories and highlights
Explore sustainable golf highlights and share your own initiatives to inspire more action.
#18 Get recognized through dedicated industry awards and certification
Apply for themed awards and GEO certification to be recognized for your leadership in sustainable golf. GEO certification aligns with ISEAL Credibility Codes and has broad stakeholder involvement
