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| Pebble Beach Golf Links is ranked No. 9. (Courtesy of Timothy K Hamilton) |
WITH EARTH DAY AROUND THE CORNER, Linksmagazine.com published its list of top 10 environmentally friendly golf courses in these United States. Audubon International and Cornell University turfgrass expert Frank Rossi helped make the picks. There are 663 golf courses (about four percent of all U.S. courses) that are certified by Audubon International for their habitat friendly practices.
You have probably heard of at least a few of the following golf courses that made the list. Some have hosted PGA Tour and LPGA events, as well as major amateur tournaments.
1. Vinyard Golf Club (Edgartown, Massachusetts)
America’s only true organic course.
2. North Shore Country Club (Glenview, Illinois)
Serves as research facility to find new ways to fight grass disease.
3. Chambers Bay (University Place, Washington)
Only Audubon International Certified Silver Signature Sanctuary course in Pacific Northwest.
4. Mohonk Golf Course (New Paltz, New York)
Composting and recycling program has reduced landfill waste by 50 percent.
5. Saucon Valley Country Club (Bethlehem, Pennsylvania)
Winner: 2008 Environmental Leaders in Golf National Private and Overall
6. Old Collier Golf Club (Naples, Florida)
First Audubon Certified Gold Signature Sanctuary course.
7. Westchester Country Club (Rye, New York)
Winner: 2009 Metropolitan Golf Association Club Environmental Award
8. Stone Creek Golf Club (Oregon City, Oregon)
Winner: 2008 Environmental Leaders in Golf National Public Award
9. Pebble Beach Golf Links (Pebble Beach, California)
Hosted first golf environmental summit in 1995.
10. Sebonack Golf Club (Southampton, New York)
Has plan to use solar-powered golf carts.
Just another case that proves these golf "lists" are a bunch of baloney. By my count, there are over 10 Audubon International "Gold" certified golf courses in the USA. Why would a "Silver" receipient like Chambers Bay make the top 10 list? Merely because of geographic location? I am not impressed by the selection process.
Nice post: it is obvious where the industry is headed. It is great to see so many courses making changes to save money i.e. more natural areas which in turn helps the environment.
Stephen Aumock
http://greatgolfacademy.com/