The Golf Environment Organisation (GEO) certification has been awarded to Golf At Goodwood after their team successfully demonstrated its commitment to making sustainability a priority across their Park and Downs courses in West Sussex.
 
“We’re proud of our social and environmental contributions, which show that even simple actions can have a powerful impact for golf and the environment. We look forward to achieving more on our sustainability journey,” said Golf At Goodwood general manager Gary Beeves.
 
The agronomy team’s application outlined its environmental projects, which included creating habitats and biodiversity along with the management of turfgrass.

9th green
 
Commenting on Golf At Goodwood’s commitment to sustainability head greenkeeper Rob Dyer said, “Being GEO certified is one of the ways we are showing our commitment to fostering nature, conserving resources, strengthening communities and taking climate action.
 
“We’re also taking steps to inspire golfers, staff and the wider community because we all have a part of play.”
 
GEO Certified is the symbol used by accredited great golf environments worldwide, to show that a golf facility has met a credible standard in sustainability across six key areas.
 
Some of Goodwood’s sustainable golf highlights include a two-year experiment to stop flailing a natural tough area next to a woodland edge. As a result, 20 tree shoots - including beech, hawthorn and lime – came up.
 
The greenkeeping team removed some of the reeds and weeds at the pond on the 17th hole to create space and a more diverse habitat. Now the pond on the Downs Course has come to life with carps and tadpoles.

17th green
 
The natural rough on The Downs course has allowed a wide range of biodiversity to run through all 18 holes. There are more wildflowers and fine grasses present compared to five years ago.
 
GEO independent verifier Tony Hanson added, “Golf At Goodwood have continued their work to improve their environmental performance. Man hours, machinery use and fuel consumption have been reduced through the reduction of closely managed areas.”