Golf Sustainability | Environmental Solutions to Keep the Game of Golf Sustainable for Future Golfers

Golf Ireland is not easing into sustainability, it is building a national framework around it. With 376 affiliated clubs, over 236,000 registered members, and major events including the Open at Royal Portrush, the Amgen Irish Open, and the upcoming Ryder Cup in Adare, the governing body for golf across Ireland has both scale and influence. In this episode of the Golf Sustainability Podcast, Golf I...

Water sits at the center of golf’s sustainability conversation. In many regions of the world, it is no longer simply a resource to manage, but a responsibility to steward carefully. Modern golf course architecture increasingly reflects this reality, with efficient irrigation systems, precise targeting of playable areas, and a commitment to reducing unnecessary inputs. Yet sustainability extends be...

Sustainability in sport is no longer about isolated initiatives or one-off wins. It is about leadership, collaboration, and building systems that others can follow. In this episode of the Golf Sustainability Podcast, John Fahey reconnects with Maria Grandinetti Milton, Director of Sustainability for the DP World Tour, to explore how sustainability programs mature, scale, and begin to influence an...

Golf courses aren’t just places to play, they’re living ecosystems. And few places demonstrate that better than the Wentworth Club in Surrey, England.   In this on-site minisode of the Golf Sustainability Podcast, John sits down with Daniel Clarke, Courses and Grounds Manager at Wentworth, to explore how one of the world’s most prestigious clubs is redefining what sustainable golf looks like.   Fo...

Many golf courses pride themselves on their lush landscapes, but few stop to consider the unseen challenges of maintaining them—especially on remote islands. In this episode, we dive into the unexpected realities of water management at one of the world’s most stunning new golf resorts, Cabot St. Lucia. Without easy access to freshwater, maintaining fairways and greens becomes a surprisingly comple...

What if the next big movement in golf wasn’t happening on the course, but in a dark room with a screen and a sensor? In this episode, we explore the future of the game through the lens of indoor golf — a trend that’s already transformed the sport in South Korea and is poised to do the same in North America. Most golfers still think of simulators as a niche tech gimmick or a winter-time alternative...

Most people don’t think twice about the public golf courses in their city—until they start disappearing. Across the country, historic municipal courses have been neglected for decades, leaving behind a patchwork of underfunded, undermaintained spaces that struggle to serve their communities. But there’s a shift happening, and it’s reshaping the future of the game. Will Smith, co-founder of the Nat...

Golf is at a pivotal moment, where the traditions of the game intersect with the pressing need to care for the environment in which we play. Today, I’m speaking with Eleanor Brown, Director of Sustainability at Southworth Development, whose work is charting a new course for the industry. Her role is not just groundbreaking—it’s essential. As one of the first leaders of sustainability in golf, she’...

What if the key to the future of golf was hidden in how a course manages its water? For Matteo Serena, Senior Manager of Irrigation Research and Services at the USGA, this question drives his work every day. From native grasses to advanced irrigation systems, Matteo is exploring how courses can use less water without sacrificing playability. With a career spanning research in Italy and the arid So...

How can 150 acres of urban public green space benefit a community beyond recreational access? How can a golf course address stormwater runoff and pollution issues, improve water quality, revitalize habitats, and improve biodiversity?  How can it create partnerships and programs with other nonprofits to improve access and inclusion for underrepresented populations (while keeping the game affordable...

What if the game of golf could truly embrace its origins as a sport for everyone? Today I have the pleasure of sitting down with Russell Smith of Golf It! to uncover how this groundbreaking facility in Glasgow, Scotland, is redefining golf’s accessibility and inclusivity.  Golf It! is a bold and innovative concept backed by the Royal & Ancient Golf Club (R&A), and it challenges stereotypes...

The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) plays a hugely important role in shaping the future of golf, and few people embody its mission like Rhett Evans. As CEO for over 15 years, Rhett has become the voice for the 20,000 members who manage and care for millions of acres of green space across the country. His leadership isn’t just about turf management—it’s about creating a s...

Sustainability in golf is no longer just a buzzword; it’s becoming a defining principle for the future of the sport. As challenges around resources and environmental impact grow, leaders in the industry are stepping forward with innovative approaches. Among them is David Robinson, Senior Director of Golf Grounds at Marriott International, who oversees a global portfolio of over 50 courses and has...

Golf is a game deeply connected to nature, and its future depends on how well we care for the environment. Maria Grandinetti Milton, Director of Sustainability for the DP World Tour, is at the forefront of this mission, setting a remarkable example for the sports world. Her work spans global events, innovative environmental practices, and efforts to make golf more inclusive and community-focused....

How can 150 acres of urban public green space benefit a community beyond recreational access? How can a golf course address stormwater runoff and pollution issues, improve water quality, revitalize habitats, and improve biodiversity?    How can it create partnerships and programs with other nonprofits to improve access and inclusion for underrepresented populations (while keeping the game affordab...

Golf has always been seen as an exclusive sport, shaped by factors like climate, cost, and tradition. But what if it could be more accessible while still honoring its roots? That’s the vision of Don Rea, Vice President and soon-to-be President of the PGA of America.    He is on a mission to broaden access and deepen the sport’s impact without losing what makes golf unique. From an unconventional s...

Jonathan Smith is the founder and Executive Director of the  GEO Foundation for Sustainable Golf  and one of the foremost authorities on golf sustainability in the world. His foundation focuses on creating a symbiotic relationship with strategic partners to help golf clubs, architects, and individual tournaments reach their sustainability goals.  The majority of golf facilities need to know how su...

What if golf courses were more than just places to tee off? In this episode of The Golf Sustainability Podcast, I sit down with Brian Horgan, chairperson of Michigan State University’s Department of Plant, Soil, and Microbial Sciences, to dive into a fascinating new perspective on golf. With over 20 years in research and academia, Brian has been at the forefront of redefining golf courses as essen...

Why wouldn’t the PGA Tour help lead the charge in golf sustainability? I’m joined by Brazos Barber, the Director of Sustainability for the PGA Tour for his insights in sustainable golf and the PGA Tour. As golf faces growing environmental challenges, Brazos shares his personal journey with me: leading sustainability efforts within one of the world’s largest sporting organizations.  His work has qu...

As the Director of Agronomy at Hillcrest Country Club, Matt Muhlenbruch fully embraces leveraging technology to make the game of golf more sustainable. His approach is well-researched so he’s only implementing tools and technologies that will drive sustainable golf forward.    Ultimately, the technology he adopts has to bring meaningful and measurable advantages to the operation, or time and money...

Jay Karen, CEO of the National Golf Course Owners Association, addresses economic and social sustainability from the viewpoint of an owner/operator. Jay believes that there’s a fine balance between sustainable business practices and sustainability practices. He dissects the nuances one has to consider. Golf course owners are expected to make golf more accessible. But are the same questions being a...

St. Andrews Links is the oldest—and most well-known—golf course in the world. Recognized as the “Home of Golf,” it’s existed for over 600 years. Today we have the privilege of speaking with Gordon McKie, the Greenkeeping Operations Manager. Gordon has been at St. Andrews Links in various roles for over 27 years.  Every year, over 240,000 rounds of golf are played across their seven courses. In 197...

“We all live downstream” is one of the mottos of Mr. Jonny Morris, the Founder and CEO of Bass Pro Shops.  Bubba Wright lets this motto serve as the north star for everything he does as the Director of Agronomy at Big Cedar Lodge.  Whether it's by reducing its footprint or providing habitats for wildlife, Big Cedar Lodge strives to leave everything better than they found it. They’re achieving this...

The Path seeks to change kids’ lives while introducing them to the game of golf. So is it a community center or a golf course? It’s both! It was launched on the premise that every child deserves the chance to succeed in life and you can hear the motivating story from Dave Andrews, the Director of The Path at The Park West Palm Beach. The Path has become the perfect blend of Dave’s passion and purp...

Aiming to reflect the diverse demographics of America in both participants and workforce of the golf industry is Sandy Cross, the Chief People Officer at the PGA of America. Sandy and host John explore groundbreaking programs like PGA Works, aimed at diversifying the golf industry workforce, and initiatives such as Make Golf Your Career and Make Golf Your Business, fostering diversity in career op...