Golf is enjoyed by millions across the globe, and there are now more than 30,000 golf courses worldwide, each having an increasingly important part to play within their local environment.

Golf courses are seeing tangible results from introducing environmentally sustainable management projects across their golf courses. These projects are achieving an increase in habitat varieties, improving playing experiences for golfers and providing a positive contribution to wildlife.

With the ever-increasing spotlight on environmental matters, it is fundamentally important for golf courses worldwide to assess what they can do to achieve environmental sustainability while continuing to maximise the enjoyment of golf.

Since 1995 the aim of the Golf Environment Awards (GEA) is to recognise, reward and promote outstanding individuals and golf courses, no matter how big or small, for the time and effort they have put into protecting and preserving their unique surroundings.

If you think your golf club is providing a positive contribution to the environment, then why not enter the awards?

Applicants to the Golf Environment Awards can choose from six categories to enter:

1. Operation Pollinator Award

Rewarded to golf clubs who consistently deliver outstanding ecological habitat creation and management.

2. Conservation Greenkeeper Award

Rewarded to outstanding individuals who make significant contributions to the success of the clubs environmental and ecological management and hence make a fundamental positive impact on the surrounding landscape and biodiversity.

3. Ecological Project of the Year Award

Reward to golf clubs who have implemented a successful ecological project, with clear objectives and targets that contribute to a better environment and are making sound progress in fulfilling the goals of the project.

4. Sustainable Project of the Year Award

Rewarded to golf clubs who have implemented a successful sustainable project, with clear objectives and targets that contribute to a better environment and are making sound progress in fulfilling the goals of the project.

5. Environmental Golf Course of the Year (UK)
Rewarded to a UK golf club that brilliantly demonstrates efficient management across each of the following areas:

  • Nature Conservation Management
  • Turfgrass Management
  • Waste Management
  • Water Management

6. Environmental Golf Course of the Year (International)

Rewarded to an international club that brilliantly demonstrates efficient management across each of the following areas:

  • Nature Conservation Management
  • Turfgrass Management
  • Waste Management
  • Water Management

A winner for each of the six categories is announced at an awards evening each January during BTME in Harrogate. The winning golf clubs and runners-up receive considerable publicity in national and regional media in addition to their individual prizes.

For more information on this and other prizes awarded, please see the prizes page.

Entry to the awards is completely free, and we encourage every eco-concious golf club to consider submitting an application, no matter how big or small.

Getting involved is very easy, simply go the entry page and answer the questions to be in with a chance of taking home the prize in January.

The Golf Environment Awards are managed and administered by STRI and each entry is independently judged, not on the scale of project nor their financial investment, but on what the golf course has achieved and how it’s achievements have benefited the surrounding environment and local ecology.

For more information on the Golf Environment Awards please email info@golfenvironmentawards.com