The R&A has announced the launch of the first Golf Course2030 (GC2030) project in Australia and New Zealand, with a focus on demonstrating the positive role golf courses can play in nature conservation and ecological restoration.
The initiative is led by Australia’s leading experts in golf course biodiversity – Kate Torgersen and Monina Gilbey of consultants Torgersen Gilbey. The project will bring together leading environmental projects and practical course management to collate examples of best practice in biodiversity stewardship from golf courses across Australia and New Zealand. The project will highlight how golf facilities, when managed responsibly, can provide thriving habitats in the urban environment for native wildlife, protect ecosystems and contribute to wider environmental goals.
As part of the project, participating golf courses will contribute case studies and on-the-ground evidence showing how course management practices are enhancing biodiversity and supporting local nature conservation efforts. The findings will be compiled into a comprehensive resource to inspire and guide sustainable course management in Australia, New Zealand and globally.
Dr Brett Morris, Agronomist in Asia-Pacific at The R&A, said, “There are a large number of golf courses across the Australia and New Zealand region who are championing biodiversity on their property and are achieving great results.
“This review will highlight and promote these works which directly align with The R&A’s GC2030 initiative focusing on biodiversity, resources, climate change and sustainable agronomy, ensuring that golf courses are thriving in the decades to come.”
Torgerson and Gilbey noted, “We are very excited to be partnering with The R&A on this project. Together, we’ll be telling the stories of the incredible environmental work underway at golf courses throughout Australia and New Zealand.
“This is a fantastic opportunity to show how these courses are more than just a place to play golf – they are vital to the green infrastructure of cities and essential hubs for urban biodiversity and the protection of native flora and fauna.”
Golf course managers across Australia and New Zealand are encouraged to register their interest in participating in the project by submitting their details via the online form https://www.torgersengilbey.com.au/gc2030-aunz-submission.
About The R&A
The R&A group of companies was formed in 2004 to take on The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews’ responsibilities for governing the Rules of Golf, staging The Open, golf’s original championship, and developing the sport. The R&A World Golf Museum in St Andrews is part of The R&A group. Together The R&A and the USGA govern the sport of golf worldwide, operating in separate jurisdictions with a commitment to a single code for the Rules of Golf, Rules of Amateur Status and Equipment Standards. The R&A, through R&A Rules Ltd, governs the sport worldwide, outside of the United States and Mexico, on behalf of over 108 million golfers in 148 countries and with the consent of 167 organisations from amateur and professional golf. The R&A has responsibility for running a series of world class amateur events and international matches in women’s and girls’ as well as men’s and boys’ golf. The R&A stages the AIG Women’s Open and works with the DP World Tour to stage the ISPS HANDA Senior Open. The R&A is committed to investing £200 million over ten years in developing golf and supports the growth of the sport internationally, including the development and management of sustainable golf facilities.
For more information, visit www.randa.org.