Golf Sustainability | Environmental Solutions to Keep the Game of Golf Sustainable for Future Golfers

How Neglected Public Courses Could Shape the Future of Golf

Most people don’t think twice about the public golf courses in their city—until they start disappearing. Across the country, historic municipal courses have been neglected for decades, leaving behind a patchwork of underfunded, undermaintained spaces that struggle to serve their communities. But there’s a shift happening, and it’s reshaping the future of the game.
Will Smith, co-founder of the National Links Trust, has been at the center of that shift. He and his team took on the ambitious task of restoring three historic municipal courses in Washington, D.C., securing a 50-year lease and enlisting some of the best architects in the game. These aren’t just renovations; they’re a rethinking of what public golf can be. With a focus on accessibility, sustainability, and financial viability, the work being done is proving that municipal courses don’t have to be stuck in a cycle of decline.
The way forward for public golf isn’t just about fixing tee boxes and bunkers—it’s about creating spaces that truly serve their communities. The changes happening in D.C. offer a roadmap for how cities everywhere can reclaim their public courses and make the game more welcoming for generations to come. 
Topics covered:
The neglected state of municipal golf and why it matters [00:50] 
The National Links Trust and the fight to restore public courses [03:00] 
Rethinking what a municipal golf course can be [08:10] 
The business model behind municipal golf’s comeback [11:10] 
The future of public golf and what’s at stake [16:30] 
How municipal golf courses can secure funding for long-term success [20:00] 
The national movement to restore and protect municipal golf courses [28:10]  
Final thoughts: The lasting impact of municipal golf restoration [36:00] 
Resources & People Mentioned
National Links Trust – Revitalizing historic municipal golf courses.
Troon – Management partner bringing sustainability to public golf.
Gil Hanse & Tom Doak – World-class architects restoring D.C.’s muni courses. Doak’s site.
Connect with Will Smith
Connect with Will Smith on LinkedIn
Connect With Golf Sustainability
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Note: Timestamps provided are approximate.
Thank you for listening to the Golf Sustainability podcast. If you found this episode interesting, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review! For more insights and updates on sustainable energy solutions, visit our website and follow us on social media.
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How Solar and Storage Are Changing Golf Forever with Eleanor Brown

Golf is at a pivotal moment, where the traditions of the game intersect with the pressing need to care for the environment in which we play. Today, I’m speaking with Eleanor Brown, Director of Sustainability at Southworth Development, whose work is charting a new course for the industry. Her role is not just groundbreaking—it’s essential. As one of the first leaders of sustainability in golf, she’s shaping practices that balance environmental stewardship with the high standards of luxury golf communities.
Eleanor’s journey is inspiring, beginning with her background in environmental law and evolving into a role where she applies those principles in a practical, business-focused way. Her work spans everything from introducing renewable energy solutions to eliminating single-use plastics, all while considering the unique challenges and opportunities presented by Southworth’s properties, which range from Cape Cod to the Bahamas.
This conversation is about what it takes to turn ideals into action. It’s a look at how golf can honor its connection to nature while adapting to the challenges of a changing world. Whether you’re deeply involved in the sport or just passionate about sustainability, there are lessons here for everyone. Let’s hear how Eleanor is leading by example.
Topics covered:
Start (0:00)
Eleanor’s Background and Journey to Southworth (1:00)
Southworth’s Philosophy on Sustainability (6:26)
Implementing Sustainability Across Diverse Properties (10:51)
Eliminating Single-Use Plastics and Rethinking Waste (13:19)
Renewable Energy Initiatives at Southworth (18:16)
Linking Environmental and Social Sustainability (24:25)
Personal Reflections on Sustainability and Leadership (30:00)
Resources & People Mentioned
Greenbridge Energy – Renewable energy solutions provider.
Nordaq – Swedish water filtration company specializing in eliminating microplastics and pharmaceuticals.
Pela Cases – Biodegradable phone covers (mentioned as a personal sustainability inspiration).
Connect with Our Guests
Eleanor Brown on LinkedIn
Connect With Golf Sustainability
LinkedIn 
Facebook 
Instagram
X (Twitter)
Email
Subscribe to Golf Sustainability
Apple Podcast 
Spotify 
Note: Timestamps provided are approximate.
Thank you for listening to the Golf Sustainability podcast. If you found this episode interesting, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review! For more insights and updates on sustainable energy solutions, visit our website and follow us on social media.
Audio, Video, and Show Notes by - PODCAST FAST TRACK

Grass, Innovation, and Precision: The Art of Smarter Water Management

What if the key to the future of golf was hidden in how a course manages its water? For Matteo Serena, Senior Manager of Irrigation Research and Services at the USGA, this question drives his work every day. From native grasses to advanced irrigation systems, Matteo is exploring how courses can use less water without sacrificing playability.
With a career spanning research in Italy and the arid Southwest of the United States, Matteo combines a passion for innovation with a deep understanding of turfgrass science. His work with the USGA’s 15-30-45 initiative is transforming how courses think about their most critical resource, offering practical solutions that are already making an impact.
Matteo’s journey, from academic research to applying those findings on real courses, is a testament to his commitment to the game. By working with superintendents, researchers, and course managers, he’s helping golf courses thrive while using smarter approaches to resource management.
Topics covered:
Why Water Use is Central to Golf’s Future (0:00)
Matteo’s Journey: From Italy to the USGA (01:56)
The USGA Green Section and the 15-30-45 Initiative (7:50)
Innovations in Grasses and Irrigation Upgrades (15:40)
Technology’s Role in Precision Water Management (24:05)
Partnerships and Knowledge Sharing in Golf (31:35)
Challenges, Inspiration, and Building a Legacy (36:30)
Resources & People Mentioned
GCSAA – Supporting golf superintendents with education and resources.
TifTuf and Tahoma 31 Cultivars – Drought-resistant grasses for improved water efficiency.
Connect with Matteo Serena
Matteo Serena on LinkedIn
Connect With Golf Sustainability
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Subscribe to Golf Sustainability
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Note: Timestamps provided are approximate.
Thank you for listening to the Golf Sustainability podcast. If you found this episode interesting, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review! For more insights and updates on sustainable energy solutions, visit our website and follow us on social media.
Audio, Video, and Show Notes by - PODCAST FAST TRACK

National Links Trust New Model for Municipal Golf

How can 150 acres of urban public green space benefit a community beyond recreational access? How can a golf course address stormwater runoff and pollution issues, improve water quality, revitalize habitats, and improve biodiversity? 
How can it create partnerships and programs with other nonprofits to improve access and inclusion for underrepresented populations (while keeping the game affordable for all)?
Andrew Szunyog has dedicated his career to improving the relationship between the game of golf and its surrounding communities. Municipal golf courses are becoming community centers to facilitate a healthy environment and places for people to go. 
As the Director of Sustainability at National Links Trust, he’s laid out the most comprehensive framework for sustainability at a golf course that I’ve ever heard. His report outlines four buckets addressing emissions and runoffs, resource efficiency, waste management, and community and environmental stewardship.
Topics covered:
Andrew’s career journey to the Director of Sustainability at National Links Trust [1:39]
After graduating from the University of Florida in 2003 with a degree in Business and Sports Management, Andrew got a minimum-wage job at a local course working in outside operations. He quickly learned he wanted to spend his life in golf.
Six months later, his dad passed away unexpectedly. His inheritance allowed him to complete a 16-month program at Professional Golfers Career College. He fell in love with running tournaments. 
He got an internship with the Arnold Palmer Invitational in 2006 and 2007 where he learned volunteer management, spectator management, ticket sales, and more. 
He completed a research project on “What does Sustainability in Golf Mean?” and what organizations are doing to be responsible for their impact on the environment.
He realized there was an intersection between social and environmental justice and wanted to understand how golf fits in that. He wants the tournaments he runs to have some higher purpose that provides value. 
Together with Alex Baxter and Andre Paul, they created a golf sustainability mastermind group which transformed into a newsletter and blog. They created a platform for the golf industry to tell its sustainability journey. 
When he learned that The National Links Trust formed, he made himself available for volunteer opportunities. 
In 2021, he was working with Blue Strike Environmental when National Links Trust reached out to him to lead a sustainability panel for their first annual symposium on municipal golf. Afterward, NLT asked him to become their in-house sustainability professional. 
The origin, purpose, and mission of the National Links Trust [00:26:19] 
The National Links Trust is a 501C3 non-profit organization that has a 50-year lease with the National Park Service to manage the three public golf courses in D.C. 
The goal over the 50-year lease is to renovate all three courses to give them a fresh look, built with sustainability in mind, presenting the historical significance of what the courses mean to the city. 
They will break ground on Rock Creek Park on November 1st, 2024. They’ve set a two-year timeline for the renovations of each course. 
Developing a sustainability report for the National Links Trust [00:30:17] 
Andrew is writing a sustainability report and created frameworks to address the impact of their operations, how they will address root causes, and rebuild with sustainability in mind.
Bucket one accounts for emissions and runoffs. It’s looking at water quality monitoring to reduce waste pollution, looking at reducing emissions, and addressing nutrient and pesticide management.
Bucket two looks at resource efficiency, covering energy audits, electrifying the infrastructure, lighting audits, upgraded HVAC systems, window tinting, automatic on/off switches, and water efficiency. This also includes retrofitting and upgrading their historical structures. 
Bucket three is waste management procurement. Their goal is to eliminate single-use practices, ban plastic tees, and work with vendors to make sure products are sent in compostable plastic packaging. They’ll create partnerships to become zero waste. 
The fourth bucket is geared toward community and environmental stewardship, improving access to the game, and developing partnerships that promote sustainability, climate resilience, and social and environmental justice. They’ll create volunteer programs, community programming, internships, and much more. 
What’s motivating the reinvention of municipal golf courses [00:44:40] 
Their mission is to show the value that municipal courses have as community assets. These places are entry points for well over half of people who play golf. 
If a golf course is viewed as a park, money won’t be set aside for upkeep. But if it’s viewed as an asset, it becomes a sustainable business that can make money. 
What drives Andrew to make a difference in golf sustainability [00:50:18] 
Andrew strives to ensure that the game of golf continues for future generations, remaining affordable, accessible, and sustainable. 
He hopes that future golf professionals can work in an industry that’s sustainable, responsible, and accountable for its actions and operations. 
Andrew’s ultimate vision is that when people think of golf, they think of municipal golf. It’s the place that drives community change within the sports world. 
Resources & People Mentioned
The Greatest Game Ever Played
Professional Golfers Career College
Connect with Andrew Szunyog
National Links Trust
Driving the Green
Connect on LinkedIn
Connect With Golf Sustainability
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Facebook 
Instagram
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Subscribe to Golf Sustainability
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Note: Timestamps provided are approximate.
Thank you for listening to the Golf Sustainability podcast. If you found this episode interesting, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review! For more insights and updates on sustainable energy solutions, visit our website and follow us on social media.
Audio, Video, and Show Notes by - PODCAST FAST TRACK

Golf’s On-Ramp: How Golf It! is Changing the Game

What if the game of golf could truly embrace its origins as a sport for everyone? Today I have the pleasure of sitting down with Russell Smith of Golf It! to uncover how this groundbreaking facility in Glasgow, Scotland, is redefining golf’s accessibility and inclusivity. 
Golf It! is a bold and innovative concept backed by the Royal & Ancient Golf Club (R&A), and it challenges stereotypes while creating a welcoming pathway into the game for families, lapsed golfers, and time-starved players alike.
Golf It! is breaking traditional rules to foster community connections, breathe new life into an underutilized space, and make golf accessible to all ages and abilities. 
From creating adventure golf courses inspired by children’s ideas to embedding accessibility into every facet of their operations, Golf It! has become much more than a sports venue—it’s a vibrant community hub transforming how people engage with golf.
Whether you’re passionate about sustainability, intrigued by the intersection of sport and social impact, or simply curious about the future of golf, this episode is packed with inspiration. 
From partnerships with global brands to programs for schools and individuals with disabilities, Golf It! sets a new benchmark for how golf can thrive for generations to come. 
Topics covered:
Setting the Stage: Introducing Golf It! [0:00]
The Origins and Mission of Golf It! [6:15]
A New Pathway to Golf [14:35]
Engaging the Community [25:00]
Expanding Golf’s Reach [34:23]
Golf for All Abilities [42:43]
Partnerships and Future Impact [48:58]
 Resources & People Mentioned
Golf It!: Website
The R&A: Website
AIG Women’s Open: Website
EDGA: Website
Callaway Golf: Website
Arnold & Winnie Palmer Foundation: Website
Russell Smith on LinkedIn
Connect With Golf Sustainability
LinkedIn 
Facebook 
Instagram
X (Twitter)
Email
Subscribe to Golf Sustainability
Apple Podcast 
Spotify 
Note: Timestamps provided are approximate.
Thank you for listening to the Golf Sustainability podcast. If you found this episode interesting, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review! For more insights and updates on sustainable energy solutions, visit our website and follow us on social media.
Audio, Video, and Show Notes by - PODCAST FAST TRACK

What Golf Gets Wrong About Sustainability (And How Rhett Evans Plans to Fix It)

The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) plays a hugely important role in shaping the future of golf, and few people embody its mission like Rhett Evans. As CEO for over 15 years, Rhett has become the voice for the 20,000 members who manage and care for millions of acres of green space across the country. His leadership isn’t just about turf management—it’s about creating a sustainable future for the game we all love.
Rhett brings a fascinating perspective, shaped by experiences that range from managing NBA franchises to scaling Mount Everest. His journey reflects a rare combination of vision and grit. The conversation touches on the incredible potential of golf to be a force for environmental good and the vital work GCSAA is doing to support superintendents in balancing playability with sustainability.
From innovative education programs like First Green, which turns golf courses into outdoor classrooms, to best management practices that are raising standards nationwide, Rhett shares how golf can lead the way in environmental stewardship. His passion for the game and commitment to advancing its future leave no doubt about the importance of this work.
If there’s one takeaway, it’s this: golf isn’t just a sport. It’s a community, a classroom, and a proving ground for environmental innovation. Rhett’s leadership is ensuring it remains all those things and more for generations to come.
Introduction and BMP Overview [00:00]
Rhett’s Journey to GCSAA [3:44]
GCSAA’s Mission and Member Community [5:52]
Evolution of Education and Research [9:50]
Best Management Practices (BMPs) in Detail [11:58]
Collaborating with EPA on Regulations [17:20]
First Green Program: STEM Meets Golf [18:58]
The GCSAA Trade Show [22:29]
Overcoming Perceptions of Golf and Sustainability [26:50]
Lessons from Mount Everest and the Pursuit of Excellence [31:17]
Resources & People Mentioned
GCSAA: Website
First Green Program: Overview
Connect with Our Guests
LinkedIn: Rhett Evans
GCSAA Social Media: Twitter, Instagram
Resources & People Mentioned
Golf It!: Website
The R&A: Website
AIG Women’s Open: Website
EDGA: Website
Callaway Golf: Website
Arnold & Winnie Palmer Foundation: Website
Russell Smith on LinkedIn
Connect With Golf Sustainability
LinkedIn 
Facebook 
Instagram
X (Twitter)
Email
Subscribe to Golf Sustainability
Apple Podcast 
Spotify 
Note: Timestamps provided are approximate.
Thank you for listening to the Golf Sustainability podcast. If you found this episode interesting, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review! For more insights and updates on sustainable energy solutions, visit our website and follow us on social media.
Audio, Video, and Show Notes by - PODCAST FAST TRACK

Inside Marriott Golf: Innovations Driving Sustainability Across the Globe

Sustainability in golf is no longer just a buzzword; it’s becoming a defining principle for the future of the sport. As challenges around resources and environmental impact grow, leaders in the industry are stepping forward with innovative approaches. Among them is David Robinson, Senior Director of Golf Grounds at Marriott International, who oversees a global portfolio of over 50 courses and has a unique perspective on how to balance tradition, performance, and responsibility.
David brings decades of expertise in agronomy and a visionary mindset to his role. He’s driven by a belief that the courses we enjoy today should be left in even better condition for future generations. His work emphasizes efficiency, creativity, and technology to address modern challenges in ways that make sense for both the environment and the bottom line.
This conversation highlights Marriott Golf’s proactive initiatives, from smarter water use to reducing inputs like chemicals and energy. David explores how innovative irrigation systems, turfgrass advancements, and automation are creating more sustainable, cost-effective, and reliable outcomes. His perspective shows how practical solutions can yield lasting benefits.
David’s leadership is a reminder that sustainability isn’t about compromise; it’s about opportunity. By focusing on smarter, data-driven practices and working with top partners in the industry, he’s helping shape a future for golf that’s both responsible and exciting, one decision at a time.
Topics covered:
David Robinson’s Career and Role at Marriott Golf [00:00]
Defining Sustainability at Marriott Golf [4:39]
Tackling Carbon Footprints and Water Management [6:22]
Challenges and Opportunities in a Global Portfolio [12:33]
Partnerships and Cutting-Edge Technology [15:42]
The Vision for the Future of Golf Course Irrigation [17:59]
Personal Inspiration and Legacy [33:00]
Resources & People Mentioned
GEO Foundation – Leading tool for carbon footprint analysis in golf
Audubon International – Environmental certification standard adopted by Marriott Golf
USGA Green Section – Research leader in sustainable turfgrass and water management
Connect with Our Guests
LinkedIn: David Robinson
Connect With Golf Sustainability
LinkedIn 
Facebook 
Instagram
X (Twitter)
Email
Subscribe to Golf Sustainability
Apple Podcast 
Spotify 
Note: Timestamps provided are approximate.
Thank you for listening to the Golf Sustainability podcast. If you found this episode interesting, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review! For more insights and updates on sustainable energy solutions, visit our website and follow us on social media.
Audio, Video, and Show Notes by - PODCAST FAST TRACK

Inside Golf’s Greatest Sustainability Transformation—DP World Tour’s Green Drive

Golf is a game deeply connected to nature, and its future depends on how well we care for the environment. Maria Grandinetti Milton, Director of Sustainability for the DP World Tour, is at the forefront of this mission, setting a remarkable example for the sports world. Her work spans global events, innovative environmental practices, and efforts to make golf more inclusive and community-focused.
Maria leads the Green Drive initiative, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in sustainability. From using hydrogen-powered broadcasts to developing programs that help fans and players track and offset their carbon footprints, her efforts show what leadership looks like in a complex global sport. Recognized with the prestigious Transformation Award, her work demonstrates the impact of commitment and creativity.
With 44 tournaments across 24 countries, the DP World Tour presents unique challenges—and opportunities. Under Maria’s guidance, sustainability isn’t just about reducing emissions but also about creating lasting positive impacts for communities and the natural world. Her story is a powerful example of how sports can inspire meaningful change. 
Topics covered:
Setting the Stage for Sustainability [00:00]
Maria’s Career Journey and Role [02:00]
Golf for Good: A Holistic Sustainability Approach [07:00]
Green Drive and the Transformation Award [11:50]
Tackling Fan and Player Emissions [26:00]
Suppliers and Partnerships in Sustainability [33:00]
Resources & People Mentioned
GEO Foundation – Sustainability leader in golf
Gold Standard – Carbon offset partner
AQ Greentech – Emissions tracking tools
Connect with Our Guests
Maria Milton on LinkedIn
Connect With Golf Sustainability
LinkedIn 
Facebook 
Instagram
X (Twitter)
Email
Subscribe to Golf Sustainability
Apple Podcast 
Spotify 
Note: Timestamps provided are approximate.
Thank you for listening to the Golf Sustainability podcast. If you found this episode interesting, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review! For more insights and updates on sustainable energy solutions, visit our website and follow us on social media.
Audio, Video, and Show Notes by - PODCAST FAST TRACK

National Links Trust New Model for Municipal Golf

How can 150 acres of urban public green space benefit a community beyond recreational access? How can a golf course address stormwater runoff and pollution issues, improve water quality, revitalize habitats, and improve biodiversity? 
 
How can it create partnerships and programs with other nonprofits to improve access and inclusion for underrepresented populations (while keeping the game affordable for all)?
 
Andrew Szunyog has dedicated his career to improving the relationship between the game of golf and its surrounding communities. Municipal golf courses are becoming community centers to facilitate a healthy environment and places for people to go. 
 
As the Director of Sustainability at National Links Trust, he’s laid out the most comprehensive framework for sustainability at a golf course that I’ve ever heard. His report outlines four buckets addressing emissions and runoffs, resource efficiency, waste management, and community and environmental stewardship.
Topics covered:
Andrew’s career journey to the Director of Sustainability at National Links Trust [1:39]
After graduating from the University of Florida in 2003 with a degree in Business and Sports Management, Andrew got a minimum-wage job at a local course working in outside operations. He quickly learned he wanted to spend his life in golf.
Six months later, his dad passed away unexpectedly. His inheritance allowed him to complete a 16-month program at Professional Golfers Career College. He fell in love with running tournaments. 
He got an internship with the Arnold Palmer Invitational in 2006 and 2007 where he learned volunteer management, spectator management, ticket sales, and more. 
He completed a research project on “What does Sustainability in Golf Mean?” and what organizations are doing to be responsible for their impact on the environment.
He realized there was an intersection between social and environmental justice and wanted to understand how golf fits in that. He wants the tournaments he runs to have some higher purpose that provides value. 
Together with Alex Baxter and Andre Paul, they created a golf sustainability mastermind group which transformed into a newsletter and blog. They created a platform for the golf industry to tell its sustainability journey. 
When he learned that The National Links Trust formed, he made himself available for volunteer opportunities. 
In 2021, he was working with Blue Strike Environmental when National Links Trust reached out to him to lead a sustainability panel for their first annual symposium on municipal golf. Afterward, NLT asked him to become their in-house sustainability professional. 
The origin, purpose, and mission of the National Links Trust [00:26:19] 
The National Links Trust is a 501C3 non-profit organization that has a 50-year lease with the National Park Service to manage the three public golf courses in D.C. 
The goal over the 50-year lease is to renovate all three courses to give them a fresh look, built with sustainability in mind, presenting the historical significance of what the courses mean to the city. 
They will break ground on Rock Creek Park on November 1st, 2024. They’ve set a two-year timeline for the renovations of each course. 
Developing a sustainability report for the National Links Trust [00:30:17] 
Andrew is writing a sustainability report and created frameworks to address the impact of their operations, how they will address root causes, and rebuild with sustainability in mind.
Bucket one accounts for emissions and runoffs. It’s looking at water quality monitoring to reduce waste pollution, looking at reducing emissions, and addressing nutrient and pesticide management.
Bucket two looks at resource efficiency, covering energy audits, electrifying the infrastructure, lighting audits, upgraded HVAC systems, window tinting, automatic on/off switches, and water efficiency. This also includes retrofitting and upgrading their historical structures. 
Bucket three is waste management procurement. Their goal is to eliminate single-use practices, ban plastic tees, and work with vendors to make sure products are sent in compostable plastic packaging. They’ll create partnerships to become zero waste. 
The fourth bucket is geared toward community and environmental stewardship,  improving access to the game, and developing partnerships that promote sustainability, climate resilience, and social and environmental justice. They’ll create volunteer programs, community programming, internships, and much more. 
What’s motivating the reinvention of municipal golf courses [00:44:40] 
Their mission is to show the value that municipal courses have as community assets. These places are entry points for well over half of people who play golf. 
If a golf course is viewed as a park, money won’t be set aside for upkeep. But if it’s viewed as an asset, it becomes a sustainable business that can make money. 
What drives Andrew to make a difference in golf sustainability [00:50:18] 
Andrew strives to ensure that the game of golf continues for future generations, remaining affordable, accessible, and sustainable. 
He hopes that future golf professionals can work in an industry that’s sustainable, responsible, and accountable for its actions and operations. 
Andrew’s ultimate vision is that when people think of golf, they think of municipal golf. It’s the place that drives community change within the sports world. 
Resources & People Mentioned
 
The Greatest Game Ever Played
Professional Golfers Career College
 
Connect with Andrew Szunyog
 
National Links Trust
Driving the Green
Connect on LinkedIn
Connect With Golf Sustainability
 
LinkedIn 
Facebook 
Instagram
X (Twitter)
Email
 
Subscribe to Golf Sustainability
Apple Podcast 
Spotify 
 
Note: Timestamps provided are approximate.
Thank you for listening to the Golf Sustainability podcast. If you found this episode interesting, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review! For more insights and updates on sustainable energy solutions, visit our website and follow us on social media.

Driving Change in Golf: Don Rea on Inclusion, Innovation, and Sustainability

Golf has always been seen as an exclusive sport, shaped by factors like climate, cost, and tradition. But what if it could be more accessible while still honoring its roots? That’s the vision of Don Rea, Vice President and soon-to-be President of the PGA of America. 
 
He is on a mission to broaden access and deepen the sport’s impact without losing what makes golf unique. From an unconventional start as a minor league umpire to leading one of the most influential organizations in golf, Don’s story is one of passion, resilience, and a deep commitment to change.
 
Don brings an energetic approach to growing the game, emphasizing public golf, youth development, and expanding access to underserved communities. He’s helped shape programs like PGA REACH, which not only introduce new people to the sport but also address broader social issues, from veteran reintegration to workforce diversity. 
 
His ideas around leveraging technology, public-private partnerships, and a renewed focus on mentorship offer a fresh take on what it means to make golf truly sustainable—financially, socially, and environmentally.
 
Whether you’re a golf enthusiast, an industry professional, or simply curious about the future of the sport, Don’s insights offer a powerful look at how golf can be more than just a game. It's about community, opportunity, and driving real change. This conversation is packed with stories, strategies, and plenty of inspiration for how the game we love can serve as an "engine for good." 
Topics covered:
 
[00:00] Don Rea’s Career Journey & Mission in Golf
Don begins by sharing his unique career path, from professional umpiring to becoming a PGA pro and golf course owner.
He discusses his passion for public golf and its role in building community, improving health, and supporting families.
Don recounts his rise within the PGA of America, emphasizing the importance of bringing new perspectives into leadership.
He explains how his experience on the public side of golf has shaped his vision to expand access and make golf more inclusive.
[05:00] Advancing Inclusion Through PGA REACH
Don outlines PGA REACH’s key initiatives, including programs for veterans (PGA HOPE), juniors (PGA Junior League), and workforce diversity (PGA Works).
He shares how PGA REACH aims to diversify not only the players but also the workforce, highlighting efforts to create pathways into careers beyond playing golf.
Don emphasizes the importance of intentionality in diversifying leadership within the PGA and the broader industry.
He explains the role of initiatives like "Make Golf Your Thing," a collaboration of industry partners committed to increasing access and participation.
[12:00] Overcoming Grassroots Challenges
Don identifies challenges in translating national programs into local impact, given the differences across 41 PGA sections.
He describes efforts to strengthen the connection between national committees and local chapters to ensure consistent execution of initiatives.
John suggests creating competition among PGA sections to drive innovation and local engagement, an idea Don supports as a means of sparking more grassroots participation.
The conversation highlights the critical role of local relationships in growing golf at the community level, from municipal courses to youth programs.
[18:00] Municipal Golf & Public-Private Partnerships
Don dives into the potential of municipal golf courses as engines for broader access, citing successful examples like the park at West Palm.
He details how public-private partnerships can revitalize municipal golf, making it more financially sustainable while keeping costs low for players.
Endowments and matching grants are proposed as tools to support operational sustainability and enable junior programs.
John and Don brainstorm the idea of a national initiative to scale these efforts, aiming to create more public access points across the country.
[26:00] Technology & Financial Sustainability
Don shares how Augusta Ranch Golf Club’s integration of Toptracer technology quadrupled range revenue and increased engagement.
He emphasizes the role of gamification in making golf accessible and fun, serving as a bridge for new players, especially younger generations.
The financial impact of Toptracer not only boosted range use but also food and beverage sales, underscoring its potential as a driver of financial sustainability.
The discussion explores the broader implications of virtual and simulated golf experiences, including their ability to draw new players and sustain interest.
[37:00] Mentorship, Legacy, & Leading the PGA of America
Don talks about his dedication to mentoring the next generation of PGA professionals, emphasizing that relationship-building is key to sustainable growth.
He plans to visit professional golf management (PGM) universities nationwide to inspire students and emphasize the broader impact of the game.
He expresses a desire to shift the focus back to coaching and personal connections, rather than purely financial goals, as a way to build long-term loyalty to the sport.
Don’s vision for his presidency includes increasing PGA’s endowment, supporting grassroots initiatives, and fostering a culture of mentorship among golf professionals.
Resources & People Mentioned
 
PGA REACH
Make Golf Your Thing
Toptracer
NGCOA (National Golf Course Owners Association)
Sandy Cross - Leader of PGA’s inclusion initiatives.
Connect with Our Guests
 
Don Rea - LinkedIn profile
Connect With Golf Sustainability
 
LinkedIn 
Facebook 
Instagram
X (Twitter)
Email
 
Subscribe to Golf Sustainability
Apple Podcast 
Spotify 
 
Note: Timestamps provided are approximate.
Thank you for listening to the Golf Sustainability podcast. If you found this episode interesting, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review! For more insights and updates on sustainable energy solutions, visit our website and follow us on social media.