European Golf Association Ecology Unit
The European Golf Association
Ecology Unit was established in January 1994 as a joint initiative between the
European Golf Association (EGA), the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews
(R&A) and the PGA European Tour. Together, the three bodies represent the
leading authorities within the game of golf in Europe.
For some years there has been a growing concern among interest groups and
the public about the environmental effects of golf courses, particularly the
development of new facilities in the countryside. The advent of the EGA Ecology
Unit is a recognition by the game's leading bodies of the need to develop a
coordinated approach to environmental issues. Ecology is one of the key subjects
in the development and management of golf courses throughout the world. This
initiative aims to ensure that in Europe the golfing community can address these
important issues in a professional and authoritative way.
The EGA Ecology Unit has been founded on 4 distinctive aims:
- to establish a solid, factual understanding of the
environmental attributes of golf courses;
- to develop awareness of the environmental aspects of golf
courses through a programme of positive ecological initiatives;
- to encourage a higher standard of environmental performance
throughout the golfing community; and,
- to make a positive contribution to the European environmental
debate.
The work of the Ecology Unit is
initially intended to fall within three broad
headings.
To serve as a clearing house for
technical information relating to golf and ecology:
The Ecology Unit will be a central point source for gathering and
disseminating relevant distinct information. It will be a focus for contact
between golfing and environmental organizations, including non-governmental
organizations. This function will also embrace the coordination of research and
monitoring studies on environmental aspects of planning, design, construction
and management of golf courses.
Output will be by way
of publications, technical memoranda, articles, press releases, seminars and
workshops.
To draw up environmental guidelines
for the development of new golf courses in Europe:
This will be a collaborative exercise involving key players from the golf
industry and major European environmental organizations. There will also be
close liaison with the Environment Directorate General (DG XI) of the European
Commission.
Output will be by publication of a
multi-party guideline dossier.
To promote
higher standards of environmental awareness and achievement in the management of
golf courses:
This is aimed at established
golf courses. The aims will be achieved through awareness and education
programmes directed at greenkeepers, club officials and the golfing public,
again in partnership with DG XI of the European Commission. Specific practical
conservation initiatives will be promoted and there will be a detailed technical
study to devise 'Best Management Practice' guidelines. This will ensure that
environmental matters become fully integrated into the normal operational
management of golf courses.
Output will include
technical guidance notes and reports, contributions to greenkeeper training
manuals, advice on educational course contents, non-technical literature for the
public and non-specialists, and special project programmes.
A further essential aspect will be to demonstrate the cost-effectiveness
of environmental responsibility. The Ecology Unit is founded on the belief that
sound, scientifically based environmental policies are good for golf
-technically, aesthetically, socially, politically and economically. To achieve
this harmonious relationship demands close cooperation between golfing and
environmental interests. The Ecology Unit's contribution will be in developing
greater awareness and understanding of the issues involved, and in promoting
high professional and technical standards.
Reports
published by the European Golf Association Ecology Unit are :
An Environmental Strategy for Golf in Europe
Ecological Approaches towards Best Management Practice for Golf
Courses
An Environmental Management Programme for Golf
Courses
The Committed to Green Handbook for Golf
Courses
For further information about the
European Golf Association Ecology Unit click here to enter their
website.
Information
Source
Prepared by ...
David Stubbs
Executive
Director, European Golf Association Ecology Unit
c/o
Environmental Golf Services
51 South Street,
Dorking, Surrey RH4 2JX, United Kingdom
Telephone +44 1306 743
288 Facsimile +44 1306 742
496
E-Mail
[email protected]