ABSTRACT
As an outdoor sport played on natural surfaces, golf is fundamentally dependent on the environment. Historically, environmentalists have tended to criticize golf courses for their lack of environmental stewardship. Put simply, golf courses are built on cleared land and use a lot of water, as well as herbicides, insecticides, pesticides and fertilizers This chapter reviews sustainability issues affecting golf. The key premise is that the golf industry – and golf courses in particular – along with other aspects of the golf industry affect the natural environment. All stakeholders in the industry need to carefully consider planning and design, building and construction, as well as management and improvement. The importance of baselining and accreditation, awareness and education, collective action and innovation is also examined. Drawing on principles of corporate social responsibility and business ethics, the chapter enables readers to better understand how golf can make a positive contribution towards environmental sustainability.
