GOLF AND THE ENVIRONMENT
INITIAL PLANNING SESSION SET FOR ENVIRONMENTAL INSTITUTE FOR GOLF
Leaders from environmental and golf communities to convene
Nearly Fifty individuals representing environmental and golf interests will gather in Lawrence, Kansas on July 29-31 to take part in a strategic planning session for The Environmental Institute for Golf (EIFG), formerly The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) Foundation.
The exercise is designed to bring together individuals to identify and discuss topical areas of concern that should be addressed by The Institute in the future. The expected outcomes of the session are:
Develop an initial set of creative ideas for action
Develop an ongoing method of communication and interaction with this group, as well as broader groups of stakeholders
Identify the broad issues that intersect the environment with golf Determine how to best frame and address environmental issues surrounding golf Define the collaborative process and prioritize next logical steps for The Institute Jeffrey Cufaude, founding partner of Idea Architects based in Indianapolis, Indiana will serve as the facilitator for the activities to be hosted at GCSAA headquarters. Registrants submitted in advance their ideas outlining the important issues that should be discussed and their vision for The Institute.
“From the start, we have said The Institute will be a collaborative effort focusing on education, research, information collection and outreach,” said Joe Black, retired president of Western Golf Properties and chairperson of The Institutes board of trustees. “This is not a one and done exercise. It is the start of a process that will ultimately establish the direction The Institute will take.”
Black noted, however, that a lot has already been accomplished through the collaboration of the environmental and golf communities.
He offered the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary for Golf Courses Program, the Michigan Turfgrass Environmental Stewardship Program, the Golf and the Environment Initiative facilitated by the Center for Resource Management and research programs supported by the USGA and GCSAA.
“I don’t know of many industries that have been as proactive as golf has been in ensuring that its practices are compatible with the environment,” Black said. “We will harness that momentum and address the matters that come from the planning session. In the end we hope to see behavioral change through the development and implementation of best management practices.”
Among those attending will be officials from Great White Shark Enterprises, a multi-national corporation headed by PGA Tour professional Greg Norman primarily focused around golf and the golf lifestyle. Greg Norman is a trustee with The Institute and will chair its advisory council. In addition, representatives from the USA Golf Association, the Environmental Protection Agency, golf course superintendents, golf course architects, Center for Resource Management, Audubon International, Committed to Green Foundation and Arbor Day Foundation will attend.
“This is a talented, diverse and committed group of individuals,” Black said. “I am confident that we will engage in a well-thought out and comprehensive discussion.”
Black also indicated that outcomes of the session would be shared with the public shortly after its completion.
The Environmental Institute for Golf, the philanthropic arm of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA), is a joint effort of the environmental and golf communities, dedicated to strengthening the compatibility of golf with the natural environment. In January 2003, The Institute evolved from The GCSAA Foundation, originally established in 1955, with a new name, mission and focus. The Institute will concentrate on delivering programs and services involving information collection, research, education and outreach that communicate the best management practices of environmental stewardship on the golf course.
Holistic Medicine and Healing. Heal the Body And The Mind.
Ashland University Athletic Recruiting.