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

How the GEO Foundation is Driving Sustainable Golf through Initiatives, Resources, and Certification

Jonathan Smith is the founder and Executive Director of the GEO Foundation for Sustainable Golf and one of the foremost authorities on golf sustainability in the world. His foundation focuses on creating a symbiotic relationship with strategic partners to help golf clubs, architects, and individual tournaments reach their sustainability goals. 
The majority of golf facilities need to know how sustainability benefits the business and the steps they can take to unlock those benefits efficiently and effectively. However, there are numerous areas in which someone can start with sustainability efforts, which can be challenging and overwhelming. The GEO Foundation seeks to hone that pathway for its members. 
The more you lean into environmental issues, and the more proactive you are, the more you bring it into contact with your community, the more money you’ll save. You’ll make wiser long-term investments. You’ll generate more access to funding and sponsorships from local businesses. 
Topics covered:
Jonathan’s career journey and the origin of the GEO Foundation [1:28] 
The mission of the GEO Foundation for Sustainable Golf [4:04] 
How to get organizations to take the first step toward sustainability [14:55] 
The importance of association partnerships and relationships [21:48] 
How the different regions of the world incorporate sustainability practices [25:13] 
How regulations drive sustainability in golf regionally [29:53] 
Democratizing access to the game of golf [32:20]
The future of sustainable golf [38:29] 
What drives Jonathan? Who inspires him? [42:44] 
Resources & People Mentioned
The Sustainable Golf Pledge
FREE OnCourse® program
Gordon Shepherd
Connect with Jonathan Smith
Connect on LinkedIn
The GEO Foundation
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.

The Environmental Benefits of Golf Courses

What if golf courses were more than just places to tee off? In this episode of The Golf Sustainability Podcast, I sit down with Brian Horgan, chairperson of Michigan State University’s Department of Plant, Soil, and Microbial Sciences, to dive into a fascinating new perspective on golf. With over 20 years in research and academia, Brian has been at the forefront of redefining golf courses as essential green spaces with real environmental and social impact.
We explore how golf courses can go beyond leisure to contribute to urban cooling, carbon sequestration, water management, and biodiversity. Brian shares his insights on the future of municipal courses—how they can evolve into thriving community hubs and play a critical role in sustainable urban planning.
Whether you're passionate about golf sustainability, urban development, or reimagining public spaces, Brian’s research offers a fresh look at how these often-overlooked landscapes can benefit both people and the planet. Don't miss this thought-provoking discussion on building a more sustainable future through golf.
Topics covered:
[1:10] Brian Horgan's Journey to Research and Academia 
[4:00] The "Science of the Green" Concept 
[8:10] Multifunctional Use of Golf Courses and Community Integration 
[16:20] Broader Impacts and Future of Golf Course Research 
[22:00] Expanding the Mindset for Municipal Golf Courses 
Resources & People Mentioned
USGA (United States Golf Association)
InVEST Model
St. Andrews
The Park at West Palm
Connect with Brian Horgan, Ph.D.
Brian Horgan, Michigan State University Profile
Michigan State University Department of Plant, Soil, and Microbial Sciences
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.
Audio, Video, and Show Notes by - PODCAST FAST TRACK

How the PGA Tour is Leading the Charge in Sustainable Golf

Why wouldn’t the PGA Tour help lead the charge in golf sustainability? I’m joined by Brazos Barber, the Director of Sustainability for the PGA Tour for his insights in sustainable golf and the PGA Tour. As golf faces growing environmental challenges, Brazos shares his personal journey with me: leading sustainability efforts within one of the world’s largest sporting organizations. 
His work has quietly but powerfully transformed sustainability initiatives at both PGA Tour events and TPC (Tournament Players Club) golf courses across the country.
We talk a lot about exactly how the PGA Tour is taking meaningful strides toward environmental responsibility, with the WM Phoenix Open serving as the gold standard for zero-waste events. 
Brazos shares the bigger goal of integrating sustainability into the DNA of all PGA Tour operations while highlighting the tour’s approach to climate action, nature promotion, and sustainable partnerships. 
From water conservation to reducing tournament emissions, this episode offers a detailed look at the work happening behind the scenes that could help reshape the future of golf. 
Topics covered:
Opening and Introduction to Sustainability at the PGA Tour [00:00] 
Brazos Barber’s Career Journey from sports management to sustainability [01:28] 
The PGA Tour’s Sustainability Philosophy [04:23] 
Sustainability at TPC Courses and Establishing Baselines [07:31]
Sustainable Golf Practices at PGA Tour Events [14:09]
The Importance of Partnerships in Sustainability [18:48] 
Challenges of Tournament Attendee Travel and Emissions [23:09] 
Resources & People Mentioned
WM Phoenix Open
GEO Foundation for Sustainable Golf
Audubon International
Ryan Holiday: Author of The Obstacle is the Way and The Daily Stoic
Connect with Brazos Barber
PGA TOUR Sustainability
Connect with Brazos Barber
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.
Audio, Video, and Show Notes by - PODCAST FAST TRACK

Sustainability Technology at Hillcrest Country Club with Matt Muhlenbruch

As the Director of Agronomy at Hillcrest Country Club, Matt Muhlenbruch fully embraces leveraging technology to make the game of golf more sustainable. His approach is well-researched so he’s only implementing tools and technologies that will drive sustainable golf forward. 
 
Ultimately, the technology he adopts has to bring meaningful and measurable advantages to the operation, or time and money are spent learning new software every few weeks. Matt thoughtfully incorporates each piece, from a new irrigation system to ground sensors, GPS-based turf sprayers to electric mowers. 
 
Each precise application brings them one step closer to their sustainability goals. Matt shares more about his process at Hillcrest in this thought-provoking episode of Golf Sustainability. 
 
Topics covered:
Matt’s career journey and current role at Hillcrest Country Club [1:22]
What does golf sustainability Look like at Hillcrest Country Club? [7:18] 
The stringent regulations in California for golf course management [10:07] 
The impact of technology on sustainability [15:46] 
Matt’s experience collaborating with partners like Rainbird and Toro [28:00] 
The technologies that Matt is excited to test next [33:54] 
What drives Matt? [37:22] 
Resources & People Mentioned
Toro
Rainbird
John Deere Turf Sprayers
Connect with Matt Muhlenbruch
Connect on LinkedIn
Follow on Twitter
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.
Audio, Video, and Show Notes by - PODCAST FAST TRACK

Jay Karen Addresses Golf Sustainability through the Lens of Golf Course Owners

Jay Karen, CEO of the National Golf Course Owners Association, addresses economic and social sustainability from the viewpoint of an owner/operator.
Jay believes that there’s a fine balance between sustainable business practices and sustainability practices. He dissects the nuances one has to consider.
Golf course owners are expected to make golf more accessible. But are the same questions being asked of restaurateurs? Are they expected to lower the prices of their meals in the name of democratizing eating out? No!
Demand is off the charts right now. Everything is getting more expensive. Many golf courses need major improvements. Green fees will have to go up to cover these things. Jay shares how golf course owners and operators balance the financials and sustainability efforts in this wonderful conversation. 
Topics covered:
Jay’s career journey and current role as CEO at NGCOA [2:04]
The different types of members at NGCOA [5:25] 
How NGCOA approaches sustainability [8:16]
How different types of courses think about sustainability [17:15] 
The democratization of access to the game [29:50] 
How do we work together toward sustainability? [36:12] 
What drives Jay? Why is he passionate about golf sustainability? [40:39] 
Resources & People Mentioned
Lead Golf Together Summitt
National Alliance of Accessible Golf
Golf on Course
Roger Dow
Connect with Jay Karen
Connect on LinkedIn
National Golf Course Owners Association
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

St Andrew's Legacy of Sustainable Golf

St. Andrews Links is the oldest—and most well-known—golf course in the world. Recognized as the “Home of Golf,” it’s existed for over 600 years. Today we have the privilege of speaking with Gordon McKie, the Greenkeeping Operations Manager. Gordon has been at St. Andrews Links in various roles for over 27 years. 
Every year, over 240,000 rounds of golf are played across their seven courses. In 1974, the golf course was handed over to be managed by the St. Andrews Links Trust. The trust is solely responsible for what happens on the golf courses, including sustainability initiatives. 
St. Andrews Links is an innovative leader in environmental practices and sustainability. They evaluated their energy use and immediately began to implement changes: Installing solar panels, changing out light bulbs, and moving to the use of electric mowers and vehicles. They’ll soon be invested in the latest irrigation technology to reduce water usage on the courses. 
One of the challenges they face as a coastal golf course is coastal erosion. The West Sands Project was launched to protect the Links from eventually going underwater. They also introduced the West Sands Rangers Service in 2022 to protect the natural habitat, including native birds and butterflies. 
Only eight greenkeepers have cared for the Old Course in between Old Man Morris and Gordon, which he feels is an honor and a privilege. Gordon is passionate about improving education opportunities for young greenkeepers and hopes he influences them to recognize the importance of sustainability and being environmentally friendly. 
Topics covered:
Gordon’s career progression at St. Andrews Links (00:01:15 – 00:03:30)
Goron joined St. Andrews in 1995 as the Deputy Head Greenkeeper on the Eden course and worked there for 5 years before moving into the Head Greenkeeper role. 
Gordon spent 17 years as the Old Course manager before moving into the Greenkeeping Operations Manager role in 2023. 
How the management of St. Andrews Links has evolved (00:03:31 – 00:08:17)
In 1974, the golf course was handed over to be managed by the St. Andrews Links Trust.
Every penny that comes into the organization is reinvested into the courses (for example, proceeds from the trust are used for free golf lessons for Juniors). 
Being the steward of Old Tom Morris’s famous work [00:08:18 – 00:11:42) 
As only the 9th person to manage the turf, Gordon feels it’s a privilege to follow in the footsteps of Old Tom Morris, heralded as the first sustainable greenkeeper.
The evolution of sustainability at St. Andrews Links (00:11:43 – 00:18:03) 
St. Andrews Links is an innovative leader in environmental practices and sustainability to protect their heritage and history.
They launched the West Sands Project, replenishing gabions and dunes to protect against coastal erosion and preserve the Links. 
They focus on educating the next generation, making sure they know what they need to do to protect their future.
Winning the Scottish Golf “Sustainable Project of the Year” Award (00:18:04 – 00:24:05) 
After evaluating their energy usage, they installed solar panels, changed out light bulbs to LEDs and sensor lights, and are using more electric and hybrid lawnmowers and vehicles. 
They plan to update the irrigation system to take advantage of the latest technology in sprinkler heads on the Old Course to further reduce water usage. 
They work with their partners to collect data to help them develop their products to better everyone in the industry. 
The legacy Gordon hopes to leave for future generations (00:24:06 – 00:31:10) 
Goron hopes his legacy will influence the next generation to understand the importance of sustainability and being environmentally friendly. 
Resources & People Mentioned
St. Andrews Links
St. Andrews Links Trust Awarded Sustainable Project of the Year
Connect with Gordon McKie
Connect on LinkedIn
Follow on Twitter
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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.

Sustainable Golf at Big Cedar Lodge

“We all live downstream” is one of the mottos of Mr. Jonny Morris, the Founder and CEO of Bass Pro Shops. 
Bubba Wright lets this motto serve as the north star for everything he does as the Director of Agronomy at Big Cedar Lodge. 
Whether it's by reducing its footprint or providing habitats for wildlife, Big Cedar Lodge strives to leave everything better than they found it. They’re achieving this by using organic fertilizers, installing new water systems to conserve water, and making sure their courses are Audubon-certified.
Bubba shares his heart for conservation and passion for cultivating a strong culture in this conversation on the Golf Sustainability podcast. 
Topics covered:
Bubba’s career journey to his current role at Big Cedar Lodge [1:20–4:42] 
The history of Big Cedar Lodge [4:43–6:31] 
The Big Cedar Lodge philosophy around conservation and sustainability [6:32–13:43] 
Their relationship with the National Audubon Society and other partners [13:44] 
The technology that’s being developed to advance sustainability [19:03] 
Getting to know Bubba Wright on a personal level [22:51] 
Resources & People Mentioned
The National Audubon Society
John Deere
Rainbird
Environmental Works
Golf Course Superintendents Association of America
Connect with Bubba Wright
Connect on LinkedIn
Big Cedar Lodge Golf
Connect With Golf Sustainability
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Facebook 
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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.

Inspirational Story of The Path at The Park West Palm Beach and Tips for How to Launch Your Own Golf Course Community Center

The Path seeks to change kids’ lives while introducing them to the game of golf. So is it a community center or a golf course? It’s both! It was launched on the premise that every child deserves the chance to succeed in life and you can hear the motivating story from Dave Andrews, the Director of The Path at The Park West Palm Beach.
The Path has become the perfect blend of Dave’s passion and purpose, giving kids hope and inspiration. The goal was to take a kid who may not be on a good path and change their trajectory.
Listen to learn more about this awe-inspiring community program—including how to inspire community involvement or launch your own program.
Highlighted Topics Covered
Vision for The Park West Palm project (03:31 - 08:19)
Development of the The Path and its key programs (08:20 - 18:35)
Getting local schools to participate in the program (23:44 - 29:30)
Resources
The Park West Palm
The Path
Connect with Guest, Dave Andrews
LinkedIn
Connect with Host, John Failla
LinkedIn
John@GolfSustainability.com
Connect With Golf Sustainability
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Inspiring Strategies for Diversity and Inclusion in Golf, Highlighting 5 Key Areas of Commitment: Governance, Education, Workforce, Procurement, and Community

Aiming to reflect the diverse demographics of America in both participants and workforce of the golf industry is Sandy Cross, the Chief People Officer at the PGA of America. Sandy and host John explore groundbreaking programs like PGA Works, aimed at diversifying the golf industry workforce, and initiatives such as Make Golf Your Career and Make Golf Your Business, fostering diversity in career opportunities and supply chains.
Sandy also shares personal insights, including the transformative power of golf, her inspiration from her parents, and the challenges and triumphs of relocating the PGA of America during the pandemic.
Highlighted Topics Covered
Framework for diversity and inclusion at PGA of America (04:01 - 07:00)
PGA’s internal diversity and inclusion programs (07:01 - 10:00)
Industry-wide initiatives and programs (10:01 - 15:00) 
Resources 
PGA of America
Make Golf Your Thing
First Tee
Connect with Guest, Sandy Cross
LinkedIn
Connect with PGA of America
PGA of America
Connect with Host, John Failla
LinkedIn
John@GolfSustainability.com
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How to Save a Golf Course While Preserving the Course Character and Incorporating Golf Sustainability Best Practices

Here to explain how it’s possible to create an environmentally conscious golfing experience while enhancing safety and making the golf course more sustainable is Tom Coyne, Author and Owner of Sullivan County Golf Club, a 180-acre, nine-hole course in the Catskills.
Tom takes us through his significant course renovation including sodding the entire course using a mix of grass strains reflective of its century-long history. His commitment to responsible land management, combined with the use of organic inputs from partners like Toro and AquaTrols, sets the stage for low-impact golfing.
The episode is not just about revitalizing a golf course; it's about creating a haven where golfers, families, and food enthusiasts converge to enjoy a unique blend of history, natural beauty, and exceptional experiences.
Highlighted Topics Covered
Differences in golf sustainability views between the U.S. and Europe  (03:00 - 08:00)
Challenges faced by Sullivan County Golf Club and the importance of sustainability in maintaining golf courses (08:00 - 15:00)
Impact of Toro and AquaTrols in making the golf course more sustainable (15:00 - 26:00)
Resources
Sullivan County Golf Club
A Course Called Ireland
A Course Called Scotland
A Course Called America
Piccolo Paese
Connect with Guests, Tom Coyne
Linkedin
Connect with Host, John Failla
LinkedIn
John@GolfSustainability.com
Connect with Golf Sustainability on Social Media
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