6 Simple Tips for Golfing Sustainably

By Sam Ledgerwood , founder of Impact Golfer

Golf has a unique opportunity to make a difference as we work together to a more sustainable future.

A golf course is not just a tee box, fairway and green. It is surrounded by acres of land which act as habitats and ecosystems for wildlife that was around long before the golf courses were built.

Aphrodite Hills takes huge pride in its commitment to the environment and sustainability, achieving its GEO Certification in 2019–  A comprehensive modern certification, developed to the highest credibility standard, to help golf facilities, developments and tournaments demonstrate and be recognized for their environmental and social responsibility.

The course was recently listed in the bucket list of eco-friendly golf courses to play before you die.

While Aphrodite Hills continues to follow strict environmental guidelines, golfers can also do their part.

Following on from Sustainable golf week, we outline 6 simple ways golfers can do their part to make a difference as we work to a more sustainable future together.

1. Bring your own Water Bottle

Try to keep single use plastic to a minimum. Humans use roughly 1.2 million plastic water bottles per minute, and over 90% of these are not recycled. Virtually every piece of plastic that has ever been made still exists in some form. Bring a water bottle to the course and do your bit.

2. Use Sustainable Bamboo Tees 

Bamboo grows so quickly that you can hear it with the naked human ear. It’s also incredibly strong. And, uncoated, it’s also biodegradable. Bamboo tees can be hit over and over without snapping, but if they do snap off and are lost on the course, they leave behind no negative impacts on the course, environment or wildlife.

3. Take rubbish with you

It doesn’t just look bad– littered bottles and human food can be harmful to surrounding wildlife in their natural environment. It is very easy for smaller animals to get trapped under plastics and larger animals can be seriously harmed if they ingest it. Furthermore, micro plastics (plastic under 5mm) negatively affects soil quality. These tiny pieces of plastic can carry bacteria and act as vectors for disease. It seems simple, but be sure not to litter.

4. Car Share

This is not exclusive to golf, but is still very relevant. If you have a long drive to your local course, then car sharing with a friend is a great way to half the emissions of any given round. If you want to practice, then it is likely you will find yourself commuting to the driving range and putting green regularly. A good quality golf simulator is a game changer when it comes to game improvement, and you can do it from the comfort of your own home– no unnecessary burning of fossil fuels!

5. Divots

Always check whether your club wants you to repair your divots. It depends on how the green keepers like to operate, but it is important to be conscious. With some kinds of turf, divots can lead to turf disease.

6. Try Recycled Golf Balls

Around 850 million golf balls are produced every year. That is a lot of golf balls.

Using lake balls (as long as they are in good condition) will not have a meaningful impact on your game while reducing your carbon footprint.