A wide range of experts and stakeholders from golf and sport gathered at The K Club during last week’s Irish Open to discuss how sport can drive sustainability and positive change.
The event showcased Golf Ireland’s commitment to sustainability, outlining where the organisation began, its progress to date, and ambitious plans for the future. This being embodied in Golf Ireland’s multi-year ‘Drive the Green’ strategy, through which the organisation will lead, support and promote sustainability.
The Forum explored key themes relating to golf, environment and communities, including biodiversity, water, energy and climate change. Data and technology featured prominently, as did the special role of sustainable sport events.
Opening remarks came from Paul Haran, Chair of Golf Ireland, and Richard Bunn, Chief Revenue & Content Officer at the European Tour Group. Contributions followed from Ann Courtney, Golf Ireland’s Head of Sustainability, and Kelli Jerome, Executive Director of GEO Sustainable Golf Foundation.
Three expert panels examined threee topics, with a discussion on Biodiversity, Water & Technology led by Alan Lauder (Golf Ireland), with input from the Department of Agriculture, EPA, Malahide Golf Club and Uisce Éireann. Examples of innovative water management and technology were shared, aligned with national climate targets.
The subject of Sustainable Sporting Events was chaired by Jonathan Smith (GEO Foundation), with perspectives from the European Tour Group, Adare Manor and Croke Park on planning, delivery and legacy. While issues surrounding Decarbonisation & Energy was led by Jim Young (Golf Ireland), with insights from Flogas, The R&A, Dundalk GC and Bandon GC, with practical decarbonisation initiatives and international best practice showcased.
“Golf has always been a sport deeply connected to nature. Every swing, fairway, green depends on the health of our environment,” said Paul Haran. “We are facing unprecedented challenges – from climate change to resource scarcity – our responsibility as custodians of the game has never been greater. Sustainability in golf is no longer just an option; it’s an imperative.
“We have the opportunity, and duty, to ensure golf courses are not only places of sport and leisure, but also vibrant habitats, responsible water stewards, renewable energy hubs and great examples of community engagement and collaboration. Our mission is clear: to accelerate the integration of sustainability throughout the sport, empowering clubs to thrive while safeguarding our cherished courses and the environment they inhabit, to ensure future generations enjoy the sport as we do today. We want to ensure that the beauty of our courses today is matched by their resilience tomorrow.”
Jonathan Smith, Executive Director of GEO Sustainable Golf Foundation, underlined the growing strength of commitment and progress already being made across the game. He said: “There is clear momentum emerging in sustainable golf, across the amateur and professional sides of the sport. Thanks to the collaborative leadership of the likes of Golf Ireland and the DP World Tour, more and more grass roots facilities and events are getting involved.
“It is inspiring to see engagement swell, to see how events and clubs are making best practice more integral to daily practice – so that they can go on to push larger innovations and activations across a whole range of environmental and social priorities. With consistent and continuous promotion and support across the sector, we can imagine a future where golf truly fulfils its potential for nature, climate and communities, delivering a significant net positive impact for society.”
Maria Grandinetti-Milton, Director of Sustainability at the European Tour Group, said: “One of the things we have always hoped to see, as we push forward our Golf for Good and Green Drive initiatives, is that we’d be able to support and have wider positive impact around and through our events. This strategic event, with stakeholders from government, sport, tourism, not-for-profits and local authorities showed that we have these common challenges and opportunities and it is great when we can all see how we are collectively addressing them.”
