Golf at Goodwood recognised for sustainability work
By Alistair
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Golf Environment Organisation (GEO) certification has been awarded to Golf at Goodwood after the greenkeeping team successfully demonstrated its commitment to making sustainability a priority across the 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.
Commenting on the commitment to sustainability, head greenkeeper Rob Dyer (pictured) 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.
Rob Dyer at Goodwood, West Sussex, 18th November 2021
“We’re also taking steps to inspire golfers, staff and the wider community because we all have a part of play.”
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.
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.
“It’s nice to have the orchids coming out in our natural rough. Wildflowers growing natural rough areas – woodland canopies show our ecological policy is working well,” Dyer added.
By Alistair
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