3 ideas for a more sustainable golf club supply chain

09 Feb 2022

3 ideas for a more sustainable golf club supply chain


Sustainable golf is about much more than course maintenance. It’s also about what comes onto the property and into the kitchen, offices and shops - your supply chain and its carbon footprint.  

Every one of us can Do One Thing #ForSustainableGolf and reduce the impact of our supply chains. Begin with a simple question each time you’re purchasing: Where does this come from? Then follow that up with, “can we do better?”   

How are other clubs reviewing their supply chains?  

There are many clear benefits from improving how and where you’re getting materials, supplies and products. Here are three quick criteria to remember:

  • Distance – how far is it travelling? Can you buy your materials closer to home – you’ll be lowering emissions and supporting local businesses. This includes locally grown food. 
  • Materials – what is it made from? Try to avoid products made for a single-use. Look to purchase products with recycled content or environmental or ethical labels like Fairtrade or FSC. 
  • Packaging – is there too much? Excess packaging and plastics can end up in landfill so ask suppliers to remove plastics and minimize packaging. Also, consider buying in bulk when you can.

Banchory Golf Club, Scotland

 

The Sustainable Golf Highlights Hub has many examples of clubs and courses that have reviewed their supply chains and taken climate action in the process. Here’s a taster: 

Spencer Cooper, Superintendent at GEO Certified Remuera Golf Club in New Zealand said: “We very much think of ourselves as a part of the local community. We look at all of our on-course and clubhouse operations through a sustainable lens to make sure we’re doing the right thing for our neighbors but also for the good of the club and its members. Using the OnCourse programme enables us to keep the momentum going.” 

Golf is in a good position to lead the way in sustainable sport. And the community can do even more in this UN Decade of Action. By considering your purchases and talking to your suppliers, you also have a knock-on effect, taking climate action that goes beyond your club.

Here are some other easy ways to do more: 

If you enjoyed this article, you may also want to browse the responsible purchasing Sustainable Golf Highlights

Join the conversation

Sign up for the sustainable golf newsletter
Point of Impact