GEO Foundation works closely with a number of partners and supporters to grow awareness of sustainability in and through golf, celebrate success stories and strive to do even more. The collective commitment to foster nature, conserve resources, take climate action and strengthening communities across all areas of the sport has given the movement credibility and a real sense of purpose.
The R&A
The R&A engages in and supports activities that benefit the game of golf, distributing funding to causes from grassroots initiatives, through coaching and regional championships, to professional tours. The R&A is also dedicated to providing support for programmes that assist golf courses in developing a positive relationship with the natural environment.
The Toro Company
With innovative turf management equipment and precision irrigation solutions, Toro is committed to protecting the world's resources while delivering commercially viable solutions, with emphasis on research, development and innovation. As a patron of GEO Foundation and global partner of the OnCourse programme, Toro supports sustainability in and through golf.
European Tour
DOW
Through its title sponsorship of the Dow Great Lakes Bay Invitational and as the Sustainability Partner for the LPGA and the LET, DOW is very dedicated to sharing knowledge and experience, inspiring others and supporting the development of sustainability solutions for golf.
Ladies European Tour
Vidauban Foundation
Since its creation in 2007, Vidauban Foundation has taken a voluntary, innovative and collaborative commitment to promoting biodiversity and ecosystems in the unique Plaine des Maures in the south of France, and support for GEO Foundation has helped to extend this ethos across golf more widely through credible and accessible programmes.
Visit Scotland
Scotland is globally known as The Home of Golf, and VisitScotland are seeking to ensure that golf is a positive force for people and the environment in Scotland and around the world in the future. Aligning outlook and policies for sustainable tourism, communities, pathways to net zero and sustainable golf, the body is supporting advocacy, showcasing around major golf events in Scotland, and programs that help grass roots clubs.
Asian Golf Industry Federation
AGIF was formed in 2009 and is a not-for-profit regional organization with a distinguished member roster of leaders in the Asian golf industry including golf course and club suppliers, professional support services, golf course architects, and golf real estate and development companies. AGIF promotes sustainability through the work of its Environment Committee.
Australian Turf Managers Association
The Australian Sports Turf Managers Association is a not-for-profit industry association formed in 1981 (as the Australian Golf Course Superintendents' Association) and has evolved into the largest industry association in Australia for professional Sports Turf Managers. With over 1,500 members throughout Australia, New Zealand and Asia, the Australian Sports Turf Managers Association is committed to the ongoing education, development and support of all professionals involved in turf management.
ASGCA American Society of Golf Course Architects
Founded in 1946, the ASGCA is the professional association representing golf course architects in North America. It is the leader in advancing the interests of golf course architects and creating golf courses that are technically, strategically and aesthetically excellent while meeting the economic, environmental and other needs of golf course owners, developers and communities.
British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association
BIGGA is dedicated to enhancing the professional reputation and advancement of greenkeepers. Managing land, resources and golfer expectations, BIGGA appreciates that its members make decisions that determine the sustainability performance of the industry, and its image as a responsible steward of the environment.
Club Managers Association of America
The CMAA is the professional association for managers of membership clubs in the United States. Its 7,000 members recognize the need to meet the aspirations and environmental needs of golfers, the public and government. The CMAA provides education and support that will help its members show sustainability leadership in clubs and communities.
Club Managers Association of South Africa
CMASA is the representative body for the recreation and sports club sector in South Africa. CMASA offers members access to information on international and local best practice material relating to the management of their clubs as well as current information on trends in this sector. CMASA's strength is heightened by the expertise of its elected Executive Committee and management team, who collectively have in excess of 150 years in club management.
The China Chapter of the CMAA was set up to support the emerging group of club managers with education and professional development. It aims to help golf grow, develop and be managed in the country with great consideration for social and environmental factors.
Club Management Association of Europe
The CMAE is a non-profit professional association with members managing a diverse selection of clubs, many in the golf sector. The Association is committed to furthering the education, professionalism and reputation of club management professionals across Europe, Middle East & Northern Africa. CMAE is a long standing supporter of GEO and views nature, energy, water, supply chains and community as important focus areas for success.
One of the largest sports governing bodies in England with more than 1,900 golf clubs and 770,000 men and women club members. England Golf has a long-standing commitment to helping member clubs approach sustainability, supporting research, providing guidance, education, and tools.
Golf Course Association Europe
GCAE is a longstanding supporter, bringing a genuine belief that sustainability has a strong fit with the future growth of the game, and profitability of golf clubs and developments. The association actively encourages and supports awareness and practical environmental stewardship in golf facilities across Europe.
European Institute of Golf Course Architects
The EIGCA represents European Golf Course Architects, with more than 90 members. The Institute has made a significant contribution to the international sustainability standards setting process as a key representative on the golf development working group. A pioneering educational CPD programme, created in partnership with GEO Foundation, and dedicated to sustainability is also in place, providing members with exclusive access to educational webinars and materials with the opportunity to submit a case study and join the EIGCA’s Sustainable Design Register.
The Italian Golf Federation was founded in 1927 to promote, organize, control and regulate the sport of golf in Italy. Through its school of turf, environmental outreach staff and university collaborations, the Federation is providing a range of services to drive best practice across club and course management.
Federation of European Golf Greenkeepers Association
The umbrella body for the greenkeeper associations of Europe, and established on a vision of sustainability in golf, FEGGA clearly recognizes and strongly advocates for the highest standards of environmental management and community outreach, promoting the need to minimize the consumption of resources.
Golf Course Builder's Association of America (GCBAA)
GCBAA is dedicated to advancing and continuously improving the profession of golf course construction while representing the interests of the golf course construction industry. The Association endeavors to provide comprehensive programmes and services to construction contractors and specialists in regard to the changing regulations and technology of golf course construction.
As Iceland's administrator of the amateur game, the Union serves 65 golf courses throughout the country available to visitors and the 15,000 registered golfers in golf clubs across Iceland. Sustainable golf leadership was demonstrated on an unprecedented scale recently as every one of Iceland's clubs pledged to achieve the GEO Certified award.
IAGTO is the global trade organization of the golf tourism industry, with 2040 member companies in 88 countries, including tour operators with more than 85% of all golf holiday packages worldwide and $1 billion in annual sales. IAGTO is now encouraging members to add more value to their golf product and experience through sustainability.
The International Golf Federation (IGF) is the recognised International Federation within the Olympic and Paralympic Movement, based in Switzerland. The IGF objectives are to encourage the international development of golf; foster friendship and sportsmanship; promote golf as an Olympic and Paralympic sport; act as the international federation for golf in the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games; encourage and support measures among its competitions and members including the medical care and health of athletes and rights and freedoms.
The Dutch Golf Federation believes that golf courses play an important role in preserving open space and in the development of nature. In the mid-nineties, it was one of the first in the world to introduce a national initiative - Committed to Green. In 2010, the Federation adopted the GEO Certified ecolabel as the certification to compliment all ongoing education, awareness-raising, advisory and research work.
Through GOgreen, the Oman Golf Association is making sustainable development a core pillar of the future success and value of the sport of golf. The driving vision is that golf will become even more successful as it becomes recognised for delivering valuable social, environmental and economic benefits to the citizens of Oman - and in doing so supporting the delivery of the Oman Vision 2040.
The Portuguese Golf Federation organizes and regulates golf in Portugal. It has 136 golf clubs across the country, and around 30,000 registered golfers. The FPG's Environmental Unit was established in 1997, with the mission of disseminating good environmental management practices for the construction and maintenance of golf.
Confederation of Professional Golf
The Confederation of Professional Golf is an association of 43 National PGAs, representing a combined membership in excess of 12,600 PGA Professionals. With environmental issues playing an increasingly significant part in the development and management of golf courses, and with more and more club professionals involved in club decision making, the CPG recognizes the value of practical programmes which also reach out to its members.
Professional Golfers Association of South Africa
The PGA is a non-profit organization that educates, supports and provides lifelong learning opportunities to its PGA Professionals throughout their careers within all sectors of the industry. It aims to play an active role in the sustainability, growth and development of all facets of the game of golf in South Africa. And as a founding member of the PGA World Alliance, it takes an active global role on behalf of the professional game, enhancing the golf experience and contributing to successful golf facilities and golfers that benefit from their unrivalled knowledge, skills and expertise within the African continent.
At the 2010, 2014 and 2018 Ryder Cups, GEO coordinated the delivery of a ground-breaking sustainable event staging plan - reducing resource consumption, raising awareness and showcasing innovation.
By adopting a collaborative approach, Golf Saudi is committed to establishing a golf industry in Saudi Arabia which places sustainability at the heart of its development and operations. Alongside GEO Foundation and other integral partners, Golf Saudi seeks to bring value to wider society in the Kingdom through the sport of golf, with a focus on increasing participation, hosting large scale events, and setting up Saudi Arabia as a global golf tourism destination.
Scottish Golf is the governing body for amateur golf in Scotland incorporating 578 golf clubs and representing a total membership of about a 211,000 golf club members. As part of a long-standing commitment to sustainability in golf, Scottish Golf provides guidance, tools and support to clubs on a wide range of environment and sustainability issues, both on and off the course.
The Society of Australian Golf Course Architects
SAGCA is a society of architect professionals who exchange ideas and experiences, encourage the highest standard of golf course design and construction, convene to discuss such topics as sound environmental design, safety in design, and advancement of modern technology and impact on old and new golf courses. SAGCA encourages the advancement of the game of golf by highlighting the health benefits of the game, the social interaction the game facilitates and the importance of golf courses as green open spaces – especially in cities.
Golf RSA is the unified operations company for amateur golf in South Africa and encompasses the South African Golf Association (SAGA) and Womens Golf South Africa (WGSA). Golf RSA’s role is to look after the interests of more than 460 golf clubs and 148 000 men, women, boy and girl club members, produce champion golfers and provide the opportunity for everyone in South Africa to experience the game of golf.
In addition to advancing the amateur game in Switzerland, Golf Suisse is committed to the promotion of golf in golf clubs as well as regional and national support programs. There are currently about 100 golf courses in the country, with 90,000 affiliated golfers, and in addition to initiatives to grow the game, Golf Suisse is also advancing and showcasing sustainability in golf through the OnCourse programme and GEO Certified.
The Swedish Golf Federation is responsible for national golf administration and development. It recognizes that successful environmental performance requires commitment from all of Swedish golf, as all stakeholders will benefit from a healthy environment, resource efficiency, and proactive dialogue with authorities.
Since the establishment of the Flemish Golf Association, much attention has been paid to environmental issues. Uniquely in sport and environment, a specific Spatial Planning and Environment Committee was established within the federation. The VVG is proud to interface its "Golf and the Environment" project through GEO.
In Belgium, the Walloon Golf Federation (AFGOLF) has the mission to grow the game of golf by creating a dynamic environment for its 37 clubs and over 25,000 golfers. In 2020, AFGOLF partnered with GEO to create a strong and sustainable future for the sport, as well as for the environments and communities around. AFGOLF recognizes that golf can play a valuable role in addressing today's major environmental concerns.
