Edition #11

'Fore' The Future

Golf and sustainability might not seem like an obvious pair, but there’s so much happening to make the game more eco-friendly. Every month, we’ll dive into some examples of how golf is embracing the environment and share how we’re applying those ideas to what we do at Stanners. It’s all about keeping the game we love sustainable—for the planet, the course, and future generations.

St. Andrews Links Trust – Optimised Irrigation System (£10.5m investment)

The St. Andrews Links Trust is investing £10.5 million in modernising its irrigation infrastructure across its seven courses, starting with the Old Course.

It plans to increase efficiency through more responsive water delivery: better mains and lateral lines, upgrading sprinkler systems, and using technologies that let them adapt to both drought and heavy rainfall.

One of the goals is to future-proof the courses against climate change—reducing waste, lowering water demand, and ensuring the courses remain in good condition even under environmental stress.

This investment shows that heritage venues are not exempt from taking bold, modern action on climate resilience. By leading with such a visible example, St. Andrews is setting a benchmark for other historic clubs worldwide.

Minthis Golf Club, Cyprus – Drinking Water Stations to Reduce Single-Use Plastics

Minthis installed free, filtered, cold water stations at key points: at the Caddie Master, halfway tees, and at the end of each round, so players and guests can refill reusable bottles instead of buying single-use plastic bottles.

Branded bottles are also made available in the Pro Shop for those who don’t already have one, making it easier for players to switch to reuse rather than disposables.

The implementation aligns with the club’s sustainability plan and is explicitly designed to reduce plastic waste, especially single-use bottles which are a major contributor to plastic pollution in golf and in general.

By offering practical infrastructure, Minthis turns sustainability from an abstract concept into an everyday behaviour for players. It also improves the visitor experience, showing that eco-friendly measures can be luxurious and convenient.

Golf’s Championship – Eliminating Single-Use Water Bottles & Fan Engagement via Refillable Bottles

In a recent championship, The R&A organisers installed 19 water stations offering free, chilled, purified water to fans, this removed all single-use plastic water bottles from the event.

Fans were encouraged to bring their own refillable bottles, and over 5,000 stainless steel refillable bottles were handed out or available for purchase, helping to shift behaviour and raise awareness.

Players also got personalised “Players’ Edition” stainless steel bottles (laser-engraved with their names), which helped reinforce the message that sustainability is part of the championship’s identity, not just a side initiative.

This initiative not only reduced waste but also created a memorable fan and player experience tied to sustainability. It demonstrates how major championships can blend tradition with modern responsibility while still delivering world-class events.

From Course to Closet: What It Means for Us

At Stanners Golf, we take these October stories as powerful signals. Sustainability in golf is no longer a niche concern; it’s embedded in majors, modelled by top clubs, and shared with young players worldwide.

As we launch a new colour of our signature quarter zip, we’ve leaned into those same values. Made from recycled polyester and Sorona Agile, this shirt is designed not just to play well, but to tread lightly. Whether you’re teeing up at your home club or attending a world-class event, we want you to feel part of something bigger: a game in transition, led by those who care deeply about where it’s headed.

Golf is greening. Let’s keep driving it forward.