Edition #4

'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.

West Cliffs Golf Course: Leading the Way in Eco-Friendly Course Management

Portugal’s West Cliffs Golf Course, in partnership with the R&A Sustainable Agronomy Service, is redefining environmentally responsible course management. By prioritising biodiversity, efficient water use, and chemical-free maintenance, the course is proving that sustainability and world-class golf can go hand in hand. Native vegetation is carefully preserved, water consumption is minimised through advanced irrigation techniques, and natural soil health is maintained without reliance on harmful chemicals. These efforts not only protect the surrounding ecosystem but also enhance the playing experience, with firm, fast fairways and greens that blend seamlessly into the landscape. Just as West Cliffs is minimising its environmental impact, we are committed to reducing its footprint through sustainable production. Our apparel is crafted using organic and recycled materials, eliminating harmful chemicals and reducing water consumption in the process. Every piece of clothing we create is designed to be durable and long-lasting, because sustainability starts with quality, not disposability.

Bluewater & GEO Foundation: Tackling Plastic Waste in Golf 

Bluewater’s partnership with the GEO Foundation is addressing one of golf’s most pressing environmental challenges: single-use plastics. A portion of every refillable bottle sold at golf venues is now funding broader sustainability initiatives, ensuring that hydration on the course doesn’t come at the planet’s expense. By installing refillable water stations at courses, the initiative encourages players to shift away from plastic reliance, significantly reducing waste at tournaments and clubhouses. Additionally, funds generated from bottle sales are reinvested into eco-friendly course management practices, such as enhanced recycling programs and sustainable water usage strategies. We share this mission of reducing waste. We use minimal, recyclable packaging and has introduced a take-back program for worn-out apparel by utilising recycled polyester. By encouraging circular fashion, we ensure that old apparel doesn’t end up in landfills but instead gets repurposed or recycled into new products.

Royal Queensland Golf Club: Restoring Land for a Greener Future

The Royal Queensland Golf Club is revitalising previously unused land to create a new championship-quality short course while enhancing green spaces and promoting biodiversity. This initiative not only improves the playing experience but also helps restore ecosystems in the process. By incorporating native vegetation and wildlife-friendly habitats, the project supports local biodiversity and strengthens the region’s ecological resilience. Additionally, the course is being designed with sustainable irrigation and natural water management techniques, reducing its environmental footprint while maintaining top tier playing conditions. Land restoration is something we deeply value. That’s why we have committed to planting three trees for every 1 product sold, helping to offset carbon emissions and contribute to reforestation projects worldwide. Golf is a game played in nature, and we believe it’s our responsibility to give back to the environment that makes the sport possible.