Carnoustie Golf Links is ‘Environmental Golf Course of the Year’ 2018

By Alistair March 12, 2018 07:45 Updated

Carnoustie Golf Links has been named Environmental Golf Course of the Year 2018 at the Golf Environmental Awards, in a ceremony hosted by STRI Group and The R&A, and sponsored by Ransomes Jacobson, Aquatrols, Syngenta, Tillers Turf and Wiedenmann.

The Environmental Golf Course of the Year accolade is awarded to golf clubs that demonstrate expert efficiency in nature conservation management, turfgrass management, waste management and water management.

“We are thrilled to receive this award, it means a lot to be recognised for the great care we take to protect and enhance our natural habitat,” commented Craig Boath, head greenkeeper.

“This award is just another example of what our team at Carnoustie can achieve through hard work, enthusiasm, and investing our time into community involvement.”

Craig Boath, head greenkeeper, and Michael Wells, chief executive officer, Carnoustie Golf Links

Michael Wells, chief executive officer at Carnoustie Golf Links, added: “In what is a huge year ahead for Carnoustie, we’re thrilled to be off to a flying start with the honour of receiving of this award.”

‘Conservation Greenkeeper of the Year’ was received by Stephen Thompson of John O’Gaunt Golf Club for his passionate dedication to nature conservation within golf. Stephen has extensive biodiversity records for both courses at his club, enabling him to tailor the management of the mosaic of habitats accordingly.

Abergele Golf Club won ‘Outstanding Environmental Project of the Year’ for its Tir Gwylllt (Wild Land) area. The team of greenkeeping staff and several members have created a wildlife haven from materials ready to hand or donated. The project is a remarkable example of people pulling together to create something spectacular.

Operation Pollinator was awarded to Kingsdown Golf Club where Tom Freeman had introduced extensive native wildflower areas with the help of local primary school children. Not only did this Operation Pollinator project provide for nectar and pollen loving insects, it also provided a great golf education to the younger generation.