Pollution Prevention

Golf is a pollution paradox. On the one hand it is accused of degrading the environment - applying fertilizers and pesticides in quantities that have negative impacts on people and wildlife. On the other, golf courses, particularly as living urban green spaces, help to clean and protect environmental quality.

In fact, allegations that the golf industry contaminates and pollutes are not backed by strong scientific evidence. Since pesticides were first introduced into course-management in the 1920s there have been only a handful of pollution incidents. One is too many, of course.  Today levels of awareness and training, and standards of operation have never been higher.

The work never stops

Diligence and rigour are expected and there are no excuses for negligence. Pollution prevention should be a daily concern. All golf-related businesses must work to minimise any risks to the environment and their workforces. Individuals employed in golf course maintenance and development, particularly those who handle, store, apply or dispose of substances that could pollute if dealt with incorrectly, must be aware of their responsibilities and understand the causes and results of pollution. They should know how and when to operate and maintain the equipment they use, and what to do in an emergency.

Eliminating the risk of pollution is critical to realizing one of golf’s most significant contributions to people and their environment - creating clean, healthy and stable naturalised greenspaces where people can recreate and enhance their physical and mental well-being.

Learn about the measures GEO Certified™ golf clubs are taking to eliminate the risk of pollution: