Finalists of GEA awards announced: Since STRI Group launched the Golf Environment Awards (GEAs) in 1995, the aim has been to recognise, reward and promote outstanding individuals and golf courses, no matter how big or small, for the time and effort they put into protecting and preserving their unique surroundings.
With the ever-increasing spotlight on environmental matters, it is fundamentally important for golf courses worldwide to assess what they can do to achieve environmental sustainability, protecting and encouraging habitats and biodiversity, while continuing to maximise the enjoyment of golf.
Finalists of GEA awards announced
Following a recent judging day, the finalists and winners for the GEAs were decided. The judging panel were given a list of anonymous applications and an accompanying list of positive environmental practices from the clubs, which were then given a numerical score across a range of categories. The judges were representatives from STRI Ltd, The R&A, Aquatrols, BIGGA, Syngenta, Tillers Turf, and Textron.
The categories, criteria and finalists are as follows:
Operation Pollinator Award
Golf clubs who consistently deliver outstanding ecological habitat creation and management for pollinators.
- Huntercombe
- Goring and Streatley
- Corhampton
- Bamburgh Castle
Ecological Project of the Year
Golf clubs who have implemented a successful ecological project, with clear objectives and targets that contribute to a better environment, and are making sound progress in fulfilling the goals of the project.
- Cirencester
- Clitheroe
- Pannal
- Andrews
Conservation Greenkeeper of the Year
Outstanding individuals who make significant contributions to the success of environmental and ecological management making a positive impact on the surrounding landscape and biodiversity.
- Garmouth and Kingston
- Newquay
- Sleaford
- Warren (Devon)
Sustainable Project of the Year
Golf clubs who have implemented a successful sustainable project with clear objectives and targets that contribute to a more sustainable environment.
- Hever Castle
- Pannal
- Royal Mid-Surrey
- Andrews
International Environmental Golf Course
Golf clubs outside of the UK that brilliantly demonstrate efficient management across nature conservation, turfgrass, waste and water.
- AFRIYEA (Uganda)
- Al Mouj (Oman)
- Finca Cortesin (Spain)
- Sentosa (Singapore)
UK Environmental Golf Course of the Year
Golf clubs in the UK that are leading the way in sustainability across nature conservation, turfgrass, waste and water.
- Anne’s Old Links
- Nairn Dunbar
- Gog Magog
- Elmwood
The winners will be announced at a ceremony in Harrogate on 25 January 2023. All winners are rewarded with a grant to help fund further ecological and environmental projects at their clubs and entry to the Foundation Award in Amenity Horticulture Course.
Entry to the awards is completely free with the aim of encouraging every eco-conscious golf club to have their efforts rewarded, and also to educate the industry on simple practices that can have a hugely positive impact.
For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news
Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.
Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.
You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.
