Perthshire OnCourse to become a sustainable golf destination

An exciting initiative has been announced which will see golf clubs in Perthshire - home to the 2019 Solheim Cup - take major strides towards more sustainable golf course operations.

The joint project between Golf Perthshire and GEO Foundation, which is also backed by Scottish Golf's Environment & Sustainability Support, will help golf clubs which are part of the regional golf group to use the OnCourse® programme for sustainable golf to review, improve and communicate their successes.

Clubs will have the opportunity to commit to improvements in the key areas of sustainability:

Nature: Takes their role as custodians of the land seriously and committed to fostering and protecting nature.

Resources: Conserving resources such as water and energy are important, with a wider responsibility to ensure they are using as little as possible and trying to be self-sufficient through materials and waste minimisation.

Community: Working on new ideas to further support and strengthen their local communities and increasing interaction with clubs and courses.

The initiative will also see new sustainability stories from Golf in Perthshire being shared and promoted locally, nationally and around the world.

John Kemp, OnCourse Engagement Manager, GEO Foundation said: "We are excited to work with Golf Perthshire, Scottish Golf and the clubs in the area which are looking to improve their sustainable golf operations. Sustainability is central to the future of the game and the clubs and courses where it is played. The support provided to clubs through OnCourse will help clubs make meaningful improvements."

Allan Minto, Golf Project Manager, Golf Perthshire added: "Perthshire is renowned as an area of outstanding natural beauty, abundant wildlife and close-knit communities. Our courses are located within spectacular landscapes and enjoy a strong attachment with nature, so we are excited to work with the GEO Foundation to preserve our assets for many generations to come. OnCourse will help us set standards for a more sustainable future and we look forward to implementing best practice in the responsible use of resources, nature and wildlife conservation, encouraging health and well-being for all ages and demonstrating that golf is good for nature and communities."

Roseanna Cunningham, Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform said: "I commend the efforts of Golf Perthshire and the GEO Foundation to encourage an environmentally sustainable approach across Perthshire's golf courses following the Solheim Green initiative we have seen on course this week."

"We know that a step change in behaviour is required urgently to address biodiversity loss and the global climate emergency, which are intimately bound together."

"That is why I am pleased that Scotland's golfing sector is acting to protect our biodiversity and wildlife, conserve our natural resources and work with local communities to ensure our green spaces can be enjoyed by all. I look forward to seeing this initiative being embraced for the benefit of all of the county's natural assets."

For more information on OnCourse, visit getoncourse.golf