The 30th Golf Environment Awards (GEAs), hosted by STRI Group, took place on Wednesday 22nd January during the BIGGA Turf Management Exhibition week in Harrogate, North Yorkshire.
The applications reached record highs throughout 2024, and the atmosphere showed in the room as golf clubs from across the globe came together to celebrate and reward industry professionals who dedicate their time and energy to protecting and enhancing the environment.
Many golf courses are achieving an increase in habitat varieties, improving playing experiences for golfers, and having a positive impact on the communities in which their members live and work.
Tina Jessop, Head of Brand and Communications at STRI Group commented, “The GEAs showcase the innovation and extraordinary heights golf courses are reaching to protect and enhance the natural environment. It is inspiring to see the hard work and tangible results from their projects.”
With six awards up for grabs, each with a strict criteria, the winners are:
Operation Pollinator Award
Awarded to golf clubs who consistently deliver outstanding ecological habitat creation and management
Ecological Project of the Year
For golf clubs who have implemented a successful ecological project, with clear objectives and targets that contribute to a better environment.
Conservation Champion of the Year
Outstanding individuals who make significant contributions to the success of environmental and ecological management making a positive impact on the surrounding landscape and biodiversity.
- Andy Reason, North Hants Golf Club
Sustainable Project of the Year
Golf clubs who have implemented a successful sustainable project with clear objectives and targets that contribute to a more sustainable environment.
- Bowring Park and Golf Course
International Environmental Golf Course
Golf clubs outside of the UK that brilliantly demonstrate efficient management across nature conservation, turfgrass, waste and water.
- Camiral Golf & Wellness, Spain
UK Environmental Golf Course of the Year
Golf clubs in the UK that are leading the way in sustainability across nature conservation, turfgrass management and waste and water management.
- Royal Mid-Surrey Golf Club
Tina Jessop continued, “All winners** are rewarded with a £750 grant to help fund further ecological and environmental projects at their clubs, a visit from an agronomic consultant, entry to the Foundation Award in Amenity Horticulture Course, BIGGA membership for the Conservation Champion award winner and promotional materials to display across digital platforms.
“A huge thank you to all the finalists and, of course, the sponsors who make the awards possible – headline sponsor The R&A, Aquatrols, BIGGA, Syngenta, Tillers Turf and Textron.”
**Available to UK and Ireland winners only
The Golf Environment Awards recognise and reward positive environmental practices at golf courses across the globe. Sharing these practices also helps to encourage others to follow suit, maximising the opportunities for golf as an industry to positively impact the effects of climate change and improve biodiversity worldwide.
