Dutch golf clubs earn GEO Certified? Award

More than 20 golf clubs across the Netherlands have demonstrated their commitment to sustainability by achieving the coveted GEO Certified™ award.

The 23 clubs have benefited from the long-term commitment and investment of theNederlandse Golf Federatie (NGF) enabling the small European country to lead the world in the number of clubs that have achieved the Golf Environment Organization's internationally recognised sustainable assurance.

It is notable that so many clubs have attained the 'green' status in such a relatively short space of time - the NGF decided to endorse the GEO's OnCourse™ suite of tools and guidance, and to support its members in achieving the 'ecolabel', as recently as last year.

Jonathan Smith, GEO Chief Executive, hopes the achievements and commitment to environmental sustainability shown by the 23 newly accredited golf clubs will serve as an example to others, both in the Netherlands and across the globe.

"Golf needs visible, credible sustainability leadership," he stressed. "These clubs are models for others - demonstrating that real world corporate responsibility and environmental performance can be practically and beneficially delivered by all types of golf club. Through their actions these clubs and the NGF are leading sustainability in golf."

Ronald Pfeiffer, NGF President, commented: "We're thrilled that our established and ongoing environmental efforts have been recognised by the Golf Environment Organization. We have been actively promoting environmental sustainability to our members for over a decade, through our Committed to Green campaign and awards scheme, and with the enthusiastic drive of our own environmental volunteers."

Among the clubs to achieve the GEO's Certified™ award are Noordwijkse, Kennemer, Koninklijke Haagsche and Hilversumsche, the current home of the KLM Dutch Open. These four stunning and sustainable golf courses are consistent fixtures in the world top 100 listings.

Each of the 23 clubs received third party verification by sustainable golf experts Adrie van der Werf, Guido Hamelink and Sander Kristalijn, GEO's Accredited Verifiers for the Netherlands.

The trio are members of a growing, 60-strong global network of GEO Sustainability Associates (GEOSA) dedicated to formally verifying participating sites, and offering advocacy and advisory support.

For more information about GEO Certified™ and the Golf Environment Organization visit www.golfenvironment.org.

Pictures :- Representatives from the first 16 GEO Certified™ golf clubs in the Netherlands were presented with certificates at a GEO-hosted reception at the PGA European Tour's KLM Open at the Hilversumsche Golf Club last year.

Noordwijkse Golf Club is one of 23 Dutch clubs to receive the GEO Certified™ award