GOLF 20/20 ENDORSES INTERNATIONAL GOLF FEDERATION 'STATEMENT ON SUSTAINABILITY'
Leading U.S. Organizations Strengthen
Commitment to
Golf Course Environmental
Practices
(ST. AUGUSTINE, FLA.)- GOLF 20/20 -- the collaboration of
leading organizations representing all segments of the United
States golf industry - has endorsed the International Golf
Federation (IGF) "Statement on Sustainability" to employ
environmental best practices.
The statement was issued by the IGF, the organization that
promotes golf and oversees it as an Olympic sport, and advances
development of the game globally.
Launched in 2000, GOLF 20/20 is comprised of the American
Society of Golf Course Architects, Club Managers Association of
America, Golf Course Builders Association of America, Golf Course
Superintendents Association of America, Ladies Professional Golf
Association, National Golf Course Owners Association, Professional
Golfers Association of America, PGA TOUR, United States Golf
Association, World Golf Foundation and others. In growing the
game, GOLF 20/20 facilitates industry promotion of golf's economic,
human and environmental contributions to society.
With a focus on design, construction and management of
environmentally-responsible and economically-viable golf courses,
the statement pledges to:
- Provide ecological and economic benefits to local
communities
- Protect habitat for wildlife and plant species
- Offer important green space
- Use natural resources efficiently
- Respect land adjacent to golf properties
- Support ongoing scientific research of eco-friendly
solutions
In aggregate, stepping up environmental consciousness among
course managers and developers continuously improves water
conservation, water quality protection, energy savings and
pollution reduction.
"The IGF statement is a major step in unifying essential
principles of golf-course sustainability on a worldwide scale,"
says Steve Mona, CEO of the World Golf Foundation, administrator of
GOLF 20/20. "As industry leaders, our responsibility is to
ensure stewardship of the land, benefitting the sport's vitality
for generations to come."
Promotion of and accountability to this sustainable business
philosophy parallels the rapid globalization of golf, including
emerging countries. For example, the China Golf Association
estimates there will be more than 20 million golfers in its country
by 2020.
About GOLF 20/20
GOLF 20/20 is a unique collaboration of all segments of the golf
industry, from associations and manufacturers to golf course
owners/operators and the media. It was launched in 2000 and
is designed to unite and activate the industry around key strategic
initiatives that increase participation and retention, involvement
and interest in the game.
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