Page 38 - GBC Spring 2026 ENG

Miles Mortensen
With more than 25 years of experience at premier Canadian
golf operations, including Banff Springs, Chateau Whistler
and The Links at Brunello; Miles most recently served as
Executive Professional at Mickelson National Golf Club,
Alberta, a recognized leader in sustainable golf. Contact Miles
at miles.mortensen@gmail.com or 902-818-6635.
Sustainability to Profitability
Embracing the Benefits of Sustainable Golf in Canada
Golf course operators are navi-
gating a period of unprecedented
pressure. Rising costs, labour
challenges, shifting public expec-
tations and environmental
responsibility are no longer
separate conversations. They are
deeply connected. Sustainability
has moved from a “nice to have” to
a critical business consideration.
Environmental responsibility is no
longer a future concern – it is part
of today’s operational reality.
With this reality in mind, many
clubs are asking how best to move
from intention to action. This is
where Sustainable Golf in Canada,
supported by the GEO Foundation,
plays a vital role. Nearly 20 years in
development, this globally recog-
nized framework provides
practical tools, credible data and
measurable outcomes that help
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Golf Business Canada
facilities operate more efficiently
while strengthening environmental
stewardship. It enables clubs to
shift from reactive decision-making
to proactive leadership.
The more data and parti-
cipation we contribute as an
industry, the stronger our collec-
tive voice becomes. Through
Sustainable Golf in Canada,
organizations like NGCOA Canada
are better equipped to advocate on
behalf of our sector. Ultimately, it is
our actions, priorities and mindset
that will define how golf is
perceived, and how it thrives, well
into the future.
WHY CHOOSE SUSTAINABLE GOLF
Building on these realities, our
team took a deeper look at the
value of the GEO Foundation
Certification – Sustainable Golf in
Canada program. Our research
quickly confirmed what many are
beginning to recognize –
momentum is building globally,
particularly in the UK, where
adoption continues to accelerate.
While Canada may still “own”
hockey, there is no reason we
cannot also lead when it comes to
environmental responsibility.
What stood out most from our
analysis, was not just the number
of facilities committing to the
program, but the growing number
of facilities successfully achieving
certification. That momentum
became our motivation. Yes, there
is meaningful work involved – but
when has progress in our industry
ever come easily? We weathered
the challenges of COVID together,
and this is simply the next step
forward.