Golf Environment Organization

Many places in the world are culturally distinct – uniquely defined by their own particular traditions, lifestyles and beliefs – which are in turn often innately linked to climate, landscapes and natural resources.

As a combination of land managers and businesses, golf facilities regularly interact with both historical and contemporary culture.

On the one hand, courses often overlay and contain archaeological sites, ruins and monuments of local, regional and international significance. As such they can be guardians of our history, traditions and heritage.

Concern has often been expressed over the way in which golf developments, particularly larger scale international resort and leisure communities, impact on past and current cultural integrity.

It is now more often recognized that understanding and reinforcing distinct cultural attributes can result in better golf facilities, which have a real sense of place and belonging within the wider social and natural environment.

In relation to golf tourism resorts and cluster destinations, there is a need to consider the potential positive and negative impacts of golf related development on the cultural heritage of host regions.  Where cluster development is forecast, the cumulative impacts on traditional beliefs, land uses, access and life-styles should be evaluated.

Interestingly in some countries, long established golf facilities are considered to be a valued part of the cultural heritage and a defining part of local tradition. Some governments are even considering the protection of historic golf courses because of their cultural and heritage value.

Whatever the context or location, it is possible and indeed very valuable for golf facilities to understand and embrace local culture and tradition. This can play a major part in enhancing the authenticity of the golfing experience, and adding to the consumers appreciation of a locally unique and well-integrated development.

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