Carnoustie Golf Links has been named Environmental Golf Course of the Year 2018 at the Golf Environmental Awards, in a ceremony hosted by STRI Group and The R&A.
In winning the prestigious award, Carnoustie saw off the other three finalists in the category; Aldeburgh Golf Club, Dundonald Links and Warrington Golf Club.
The Environmental Golf Course of the Year accolade is awarded to golf clubs that demonstrate expert efficiency in nature conservation management, turfgrass management, waste management, and water management.
The honour is recognition for the outstanding work carried out by Links Superintendent, Sandy Reid; Craig Boath, Kevin Stott and Steve Mitchell, Head Greenkeepers of the Championship, Burnside and Buddon Links courses respectively, and the rest of the greenkeeping staff.
Some of the recent environmental projects undertaken by Carnoustie Golf Links include: planting crocus bulbs with Woodlands and Burnside Primary Schools as part of the End Polio campaign; Sea Pea planting with Dundee Botanic Gardens; Kidney Vetch planting and the Small Blue Butterfly project with Easthaven, Tayside Biodiversity Group and local primary schools and the publication of our environmental booklet.
“We are thrilled to receive this award, it means a lot to be recognised for the great care we take to protect and enhance our natural habitat,” commented Craig Boath, Championship Course Head Greenkeeper.
“This award is just another example of what our team at Carnoustie can achieve through hard work, enthusiasm, and investing our time into community involvement.”
Greens Convener John Gilbert added: “This isn’t just something that’s happened overnight, it’s part of an environmental journey we’ve been on over the past 10 years and will continue on in the future. All credit to the team, led by Sandy and Craig.”
Established in 1995, the awards have continued to grow in prestige, with an ever-increasing focus on achieving higher sustainability standards within the golf industry.
Angus Council’s chief executive Margo Williamson added her congratulations saying: “Carnoustie Golf Links is well used to plaudits for the excellence of the courses but it’s fantastic to see their outstanding nature conservation management recognised in these national awards. This is well deserved recognition for all involved and is a great start to what is going to be an exciting year for all things golf in Angus.”