Sustainability in Golf: Balancing Environmental & Financial Futures

Article by Phil Grice, Director, Custodian Golf

Golf courses are iconic landscapes, loved for their serene beauty and meticulous maintenance. Yet, beneath the surface lies a growing challenge: balancing the sport’s rich traditions with the pressing need for sustainability through adaptability. Golf is at a crossroads. There are the lions - progressive clubs embracing change, the meerkats - alert yet constrained by legacy issue clubs, and the ostriches - heads in the sand, blind to the tidal wave of challenges coming their way clubs. 

At its heart, the challenge is twofold: reducing golf’s environmental footprint while ensuring financial resilience. This isn’t about doom and gloom. The strong clubs are thriving, but the gap between the leaders and the laggards is widening, and it’s the clubs at the bottom end that should be worried.

The traditional maintenance of golf courses often involves significant levels of water use, energy consumption and chemical treatments. As climate change intensifies, so does the need for golf courses to adopt sustainable practices that protect natural resources and reduce environmental impacts. Water scarcity, rising energy costs, and biodiversity loss are all pressing issues, making sustainable practices critical to the future of the sport. As organisations including the R&A and Custodian Golf continue to innovate and communicate best practice, many golf clubs are discovering that sustainable changes can benefit both the environment and their bottom line.

Water management has become a linchpin in sustainability efforts. Many clubs still rely on outdated irrigation systems, resulting in inefficient water use that competes with local communities. Smart irrigation systems offer a solution, adjusting water usage based on soil conditions, saving costs and reducing waste. The R&A’s Golf Course 2030 initiative supports such forward-thinking solutions, helping clubs tackle resource challenges and climate resilience. It’s absurd that we’re an island nation with plenty of rainfall, yet so many clubs face drought conditions. It’s about managing what we have better.

In addition to water management, energy efficiency is another vital component of sustainability for golf courses. Traditional courses depend on energy-intensive equipment, from mowers to maintenance vehicles, but the tide is turning. Many are transitioning to electric and solar-powered alternatives to reduce their carbon footprint and energy costs. Solar panels, for example, provide a renewable energy source that can offset electricity costs and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. The United States Golf Association (USGA) has collaborated with a number of organisations including the American Society of Golf Course Architects (ASGCA) on projects that promote the adoption of energy-efficient practices, recognising the long-term cost savings and environmental benefits these changes can bring - this approach could be adopted in the UK. 

(Image Credit: Kevin Diss Photography)

Golf’s potential to foster biodiversity is immense. Many clubs are now creating habitats for wildlife, such as birds and amphibians, which enrich the ecosystem and course aesthetics. Reports by Sustainable Golf showcase how courses are becoming sanctuaries for wildlife through native planting and conservation initiatives. It’s about momentum. When clubs invest in these areas, they don’t just attract wildlife - they attract members who value being part of something sustainable.

Reducing chemical usage is another critical aspect of sustainable golf course management. Excessive use of pesticides and fertilisers can damage soil health, pollute water sources and harm local wildlife. Many courses are now adopting integrated pest management practices, which minimise chemical use by leveraging natural alternatives and encouraging a balanced ecosystem. These methods, which include the use of organic fertilisers and targeted pest treatments, allow courses to maintain high-quality turf while lowering environmental impacts. In the long term, reducing chemical reliance can also reduce costs, as healthier soil requires less intervention to maintain.

Of course, financial sustainability underpins these efforts. Investing in smart irrigation systems, renewable energy, or biodiversity projects isn’t cheap, but the long-term benefits far outweigh the costs. Government grants and green business incentives can alleviate the financial burden. The R&A offers funding for sustainability projects in golf, enabling courses to access financial support to implement changes that align with environmental goals. Clubs must take a long-term view. Some think they’re saving money by cutting back, but in reality, they’re losing relevance and members. The lions understand this - they’re investing in their future.

Looking ahead, the future of golf lies in adaptability. Technology, from ball-tracking apps to virtual simulators, is transforming how people engage with the sport. Clubs must harness these advancements to attract younger, more diverse audiences. The demographic imbalance is staggering. If only 1.2% of members are women aged 20-50, we’ve got a massive issue to solve. It’s not just about attracting players; it’s about making golf inclusive and relevant to future generations.

(Phil Grice, Custodian Golf)

I remain optimistic about golf’s ability to evolve. It’s about bridging the gap between tradition and innovation. Clubs can’t afford to remain stuck in the past, offering the same experience they did in 1985 is not an option anymore. But this isn’t about throwing everything out either. It’s about evolution, not revolution.

By combining environmental stewardship with forward-thinking financial strategies, golf can not only survive but thrive. The time to act is now, and the tools are in our hands. We just need the courage to use them.