Page 22 - GBC ENGLISH spring 2024

HELSINGIN GOLFKLUBIRY, FINLAND
Trout river in the middle of the course
The river that runs across the course is home to an endangered fish, the sea trout. Annually they come up the river during November to reproduce. Together, with the fly-fishing society of Helsinki, the club and volunteers have built several gravel beds for the fish to lay their eggs. Reports from the fly fishing indicate numbers increasing each year.
OSLO GOLFKLUBB, NORWAY
From dense swards to biodiverse roughs
Golf courses have an unexplored potential to contribute to ecosystem services. One such service is the conversion of grass-dominated roughs into flowering meadows that provide habitats for pollinating insects. For golfers, this may well be a win-win situation, with less dense roughs and more flowering plants making it easier to find the balls after wayward strokes, whilst increasing the aesthetic value of the course. Oslo GC is one of the hosts for the research project ‘From dense swards to biodiverse roughs’, funded by the Scandinavian Turfgrass and Environment Research Foundation (STERF).
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Golf Business Canada
also appears on each facility’s sustainability profile page at www.sustainable.golf. Highlights and sustainability profiles can be filtered by country and topic.
PLAY YOUR PART
Imagine if golf across Canada could more strongly demonstrate facility commitments, actions, and results in sustainability - for people and the environment. Through aligned strategies, goals and member support from both NGCOA Canada and CGSA, golf in Canada is taking the lead.
“Mickelson National Golf Club fully supports the GEO Sustainable Golf Program and Certification. The International Accreditation contributes to all areas of our golf operation with the ability to be expanded to our community as we continue our sustainability journey. It is a very functional, cost-effective program that provides real environmental value to our operation. We are currently in the process of certification, which is very user friendly as we work towards our environmental stewardship goals. I would highly recommend the program,” states Robin Sadler, MS, AGS, Mickelson National Golf Club, AB.
For clubs and facilities, regardless of size or location, it is easy and productive to join, to learn more and share stories, and to represent your club and the entire golfing sector more strongly - locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally.
From resource conservation and community engage- ment to innovative strategies and measurable outcomes, with your involvement, the Canadian golf industry is set to embrace a future of not only exceptional playing expe- riences but also a dedication to preserving the natural beauty of the Canadian landscapes upon which great golf depends.
“The GEO Sustainable Golf Foundation is in 75 coun- tries and endorsed by over 50 golf associations, which speaks volumes for this authentic program. The signup process is very simple and inexpensive, and the rewards to your club are phenomenal. I have already encouraged our neighbouring golf courses to register and I know they will get involved. This is such a significant program, and our local community and conservation authority will be very pleased that collectively we are committed to improving the environment,” says Doug Quick, GM, Kingsville Golf & Country Club, ON.
Now is the time to play your part! Join in golf’s movement in sustainability and climate action today! Strengthen your business; make your staff, golfers and community proud; and make a difference. Register your golf course online at www.sustainable.golf today!
Golf Business Canada