The Sports Turf Research Institute (STRI) has announced the finalists for the 2019 Golf Environment Awards (GEAs), which recognise golf clubs and individuals that strive to undertake environmental best practice.
Over 30 long-listed clubs were visited during the year by STRI ecology consultants Bob Taylor and Rowan Rumball, which were then whittled down to 17 finalists.
Four finalists have been named in three GEA categories – Conservation Greenkeeper of Year, Outstanding Environmental Project and Operation Pollinator.
Such was the competition in the Environmental Golf Course of Year category the shortlist has been increased to five finalists.
Representatives from the finalists will attend an awards ceremony on January 23 at the Crown Hotel in Harrogate, during the week of the BIGGA Turf Management Exhibition (BTME).
Golf Environment Awards judge Rumball said: *“This is my first year managing the GEAs and it has been a fantastic, but challenging, experience. It has been humbling and such a privilege to see first-hand all the good work golf clubs are striving to achieve.*
*“The range of projects has been massively diverse, and the scale is inspiring. Golf is truly leading the way when it comes to ecological and environmental commitment.”*
All GEA finalists receive free entry into the Foundation Award in Amenity Horticulture course, recognised by BASIS, as well as CPD points, and the winners will be able to enjoy a European Golf & Environment trip to Portugal.
The Golf Environment Awards have wide range partners and sponsors, including Asian Golf Industry Federation Executive Members Ransomes Jacobsen and Syngenta as well as The R&A, BIGGA, The Golf Club Manager, Tillers Turf, Wiedenmann and Aquatrols.
**GOLF ENVIRONMENT AWARDS 2019 FINALISTS**
Environmental Golf Course of the Year:
Aldeburgh Golf Club; Ipswich Golf Club; Minchinhampton Golf Club; Warrington Golf Club; St Andrews Links.
Conservation Greenkeeper of the Year:
Les Rae (Montrose Golf Links); Phil Stain (Notts Golf Club); Mark Broughton (Aldeburgh Golf Club); Neil Sherman (Ipswich Golf Club).
Outstanding Environmental Project of the Year:
Wylihof Golf Club; Cotswold Hills Golf Club; Hallamshire Golf Club; Woking Golf Club.
Operation Pollinator: Wylihof Golf Club; Banchory Golf Club; Wigan Golf Club; Corhampton Golf Club.
PRESS RELEASE C/O: AGIF
