20 Jan 2025
North Berwick, Scotland
New Sustainable Golf Pledge and OnCourse® software upgrades add further value and credibility to certification journey
GEO Sustainable Golf Foundation, working in collaboration with national and international golf bodies around the world, and taking ongoing feedback from golf facilities in dozens of countries, has further simplified and strengthened the pathway of support and recognition for golf clubs and courses.
The Sustainable Golf Pledge – customized for both clubs and country — is now live at sustainable.golf/pledge. The pledge enables any golf facility to make a clear and meaningful commitment to sustainability, helping engage staff, members, and local stakeholders.
The Pledge leads straight into the free OnCourse software program which clubs use to review best practices, track key data, access custom sustainability reports, and gather the information needed for certification. Alongside these tools the Sustainable Golf Highlights Hub shares stories and innovation across the industry.
“Regular, collaborative upgrades are essential to keep the whole pathway and system aligned with evolving needs of golf and the ever-changing sustainability landscape,” says Carole Kerrey, Director of Impact, GEO Sustainable Golf Foundation. “This round of improvements are driven by adding more value to course and club managers, while also delivering on the ever increasing credibility expectations of governments and communities.”
A number of significant upgrades have been made to OnCourse, including:
OnCourse already supports thousands of golf facilities in more than 75 countries, helping clubs of all sizes — from small community courses to large resorts — improve and communicate their sustainability efforts. Strengthening their efficiency, popularity and enhancing their courses through sustainability.
Clubs that join the Pledge and OnCourse are also represented alongside a growing community on the Sustainable Golf Leaderboard.
“The whole system is built around a practical and accessible framework of priority issues spanning nature, resources, climate and community, and underpinned by the externally accredited golf-industry Standard for Sustainable Golf Clubs and Courses," adds Robbie Fitzpatrick, Impacts Lead at GEO. "This foundation of credibility is more important than ever for clubs and countries, as expectations rise in voluntary and regulatory reporting, and also in communications and claims. We’re excited to support more clubs in the future to get involved in sustainable golf, use the system to strengthen their businesses, have an even greater impact in society, and gain recognition as genuine leaders in their communities.”