GolfBIC Went On Tour! 2024 With a Series of Exciting Road Shows Based Around Sustainability
London - Cambridge - Scotland
The UK Golf Federation series of three Roadshows covered the length of the UK from London at Hounslow Park Golf Centre to the beautiful setting of Brampton Park Golf Course in Cambridgeshire and finally to the new and amazing GolfIt! Centre in Scotland. All the events focused on the increasingly important theme of sustainability and delved into ways that golf courses and facilities can operate in a more environmentally friendly manner.
Presentations by Daniel Lightfoot, Director of the R&A sustainability team and Professor Robbie Fitzpatrick, Executive Director of the GEO Foundation, provided valuable insights into new and innovative ways golf courses can reduce their environmental impact.
The event was supported by 8 leading golf industry companies, each sharing their own experiences and strategies for operating more sustainably. These were all presented by leaders from within the golf industry including Ed Pettit, MD of Carr Golf, speaking about their methods of management for golf courses and Pure Hydration, a specialist company in developing and manufacturing advanced water purification and filtration systems, outlining how one use plastics can be removed from golf courses waste.
Andrew Agnoli, General Manager at Hounslow Golf Park commented, "the Roadshows highlighted the importance of sustainability in the golf industry, as well as the role that golf courses and facilities can play in promoting environmental awareness and responsibility within the community With engaging speakers covering a wide range of the golf industry it was great to hear the way each of them is tackling the big issue of sustainability. From growing the game to environmental issues, it gave you actionable takeaways to consider in your workplace in how you can ensure your business is sustainable. ".
"Two of my staff attended the Roadshow at Hounslow and I went to Brampton in Cambridge and all of us found them both to be very informative. We have compared notes on what we feel we need to improve and what we need to get started on at Roehampton Club. We thought we were ahead of the game in some respects but now realise there is so much to catch up to hit our aim of being carbon neutral by 2030" Great roadshows UKGF and thanks to all concerned.” Marc Newey CCM CCE FCIMSPA.
Richard Haygarth, Chairman of the UK Golf Federation and Owner of Maple Leaf Golf believed; "I would like to emphasize the significance of attending the 2024 GolfBIC Roadshows. These events focused on operating golf facilities sustainably, a topic that is of utmost importance in today's world. Sustainability has become a key pillar in the golf industry, and it is crucial for golf course owners, managers, and professionals to understand its implications and implement sustainable practices. The GolfBIC Roadshows offered a unique opportunity to learn from industry experts, share best practices, and gain insights on how to make our golf facilities more environmentally friendly and socially responsible.
I am particularly excited about the partnership between the R&A Sustainability Team and GEO (Golf Environment Organisation) in supporting these roadshows. The collective knowledge and expertise of these organisations will undoubtedly provide invaluable guidance to golf stakeholders and encourage positive change within the industry.
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Photos by Andy Hiseman