The R&A Sustainable Agronomy Service has celebrated a milestone year in 2024, marked by significant growth, impactful research, and invaluable support for golf clubs worldwide.
With over 400 course visits across Great Britain, Ireland, Europe, and Asia-Pacific, the Service continues to drive sustainable practices and ensure the long-term health of golf courses globally.
This year saw the organisation expand into new regions in Europe and Asia-Pacific while intensifying its engagement across Great Britain and Ireland. Over 165 visits were made to championship venues, including The Open and AIG Women’s Open, providing onsite agronomy expertise. In total, more than 350 venues benefited from the team’s guidance on course development, drainage solutions, and sustainable turf management.
The Golf Course 2030 initiative remains pivotal in addressing challenges such as climate change, pesticide regulation, and water management. Key projects in 2024 included Swiss Golf’s Golf Course Management Without Pesticides programme and the FAIRWATER project in Norway, which explored drought resistance and alternative water sources.
Additionally, coastal management tools were developed in collaboration with England Golf, Golf Ireland, Scottish Golf, and Wales Golf, helping clubs safeguard their long-term future.
The need to do this was highlighted last year by weather trends across Europe and Asia-Pacific, including in Great Britain and Ireland where persistent wet conditions led to strategic consultations on water security, drainage, biodiversity, and vegetation management.
In Southern Europe, record heat and floods challenged clubs – with advice focusing on reclaimed water irrigation and green performance optimisation – while in Central Europe preparations for a formal service extension in 2025 included biodiversity promotion and training initiatives to address labour shortages.
Elsewhere, climatic challenges in Asia-Pacific prompted tailored support for Bentgrass growth and sustainable maintenance practices, alongside guidance for new course developments in the Philippines and Pakistan.
Looking ahead, as golf facilities adopt innovative strategies to reduce carbon emissions, The R&A Sustainable Agronomy Service remains committed to supporting their collective evolution. 2024 has been a landmark year for advancing sustainable golf practices, and the organisation is now focused on driving further progress in 2025.