News STRI Reveals 2012 Golf Environment Award Winners
STRI, the world’s leading sports turf consultancy has unveiled Thorpeness Golf Club is the ‘greenest’ golf club in the UK after announcing the winners of the 2012 Golf Environment Awards.
In conjunction with Justin Rose, Ryder Cup winner and official ambassador of the Golf Environment Awards, Thorpeness Golf Club in Suffolk has been crowned the overall winner by demonstrating how environmental sustainability and outstanding aesthetics can work together.
Following inspection visits conducted by STRI where an assessment was conducted on what each golf course has achieved and how it has benefited the environment, the winners across 10 categories have been revealed which recognise both individuals and golf courses for their commitment to environmentally sustainable projects.
Ian Willet, Course Manager, at Thorpeness Golf Club commented: “The whole team are over the moon – this award goes to show that if you keep looking after the environment, you will get recognition for your efforts. Thorpeness has had a great year from an environmental perspective and this is the icing on the cake.”
The accolade of Conservation Greenkeeper of the Year was won by Dan McGrath, Course Manager at North Foreland Golf Club in Kent who was recognised after many years of implementing an effective management plan which impressed the judging panel.
Dan said: “It is with great honour that I accept this prestigious award on behalf of my excellent team who have worked tirelessly over the last seven years to get where we are today. The whole process from sending off the application, to the inspection visit and now the announcement of the winners has been a truly rewarding experience.
“I would recommend all clubs (big and small) to apply for the Environmental Awards. The level of professionalism, dedication, enthusiasm and motivation from all the sponsors and STRI alike is infectious. Certainly one of the biggest highlights of my career to date and thank you to all involved”.
The coveted Golf Environment Awards are supported by a number of sponsors committed to supporting and promoting proven sustainable projects within golf clubs – County Turf, Ransomes Jacobsen, Everris, Syngenta and Operation Pollinator and media sponsors Golf Monthly and Greenkeeping.
Justin Rose, who recently followed up on his triumph as part of Europe’s Ryder Cup team by clinching the World Golf Final in Turkey, also continues to give his support as official ambassador of the awards, Justin Rose said: “I am delighted to support the Golf Environment Awards once again this year alongside STRI and the sponsors. Professional players are increasingly aware that environmentally sustainable courses play an integral part of the future of golf.
“This year’s winning environmental projects and the leading course management professionals that are pioneering them deserve huge praise for the work they’ve undertaken.”
Richard Stuttard, STRI’s Environmental Consultant, concluded: “The incredibly high standard of entries in this year’s awards demonstrates the ever increasing commitment and dedication there is for environmentally sustainable courses within the golf industry.
“This year’s winners have all demonstrated outstanding work and dedication to provide first class courses whilst making significant improvements to their local environment.”
- 2012 Overall Winner – Thorpeness Golf Club
- 2012 Conservation Greenkeeper of the Year – Dan McGrath, North Foreland Golf Club
- Northern Regional Award – Lee Park Golf Club
- Southern Regional Award – Hankley Common Golf Club
- Scottish Regional Award – Dundonald Links Golf Club
- Welsh Regional Award – Aberdovey Golf Club
- Nature Conservation Award – John O Gaunt Golf Club
- Waste Management Award – Fairhaven Golf Club
- Water Management Award – The Roehampton Golf Club
- Turfgrass Management Award – Royal Aberdeen Golf Club