Edition #7

'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.

Dow Championship: Leading the Way in Tournament Sustainability

Date: June 23rd–29th 

Location: Midland Country Club, Michigan, USA

The Dow Championship, hosted at Midland Country Club in Michigan, is not only a highlight on the LPGA calendar but a leading example of how professional golf tournaments can become champions for environmental stewardship. Now entering its sixth year with full GEO Certification, this event has become a case study in sustainable event planning within the sporting world. GEO Certification, issued by the GEO Foundation for Sustainable Golf, signifies rigorous environmental accountability across waste management, water use, energy consumption, and community engagement.

This year’s tournament places an even greater emphasis on local partnerships and climate-conscious operations. Renewable energy is being sourced to power operations on-site, while food and merchandise vendors are required to comply with strict waste-reduction guidelines. Attendees are also encouraged to participate in community clean-up efforts and sustainability workshops hosted by local NGOs throughout the week. The Dow Championship continues to illustrate that professional sport can—and must—use its platform to foster a more sustainable future, both on and off the course.

TurfNet University Webinar: Reimagining Golf Course Design for the Climate Era

Date: June 10th

Presenter: Dave Zinkand, Zinkand Golf Design

This month also sees a key educational moment for golf professionals and course managers worldwide, as TurfNet University hosts a webinar led by renowned golf course architect Dave Zinkand. The webinar, titled Sustainable Golf Course Design, invites superintendents, designers, and sustainability officers to explore how modern golf courses can be reimagined to meet the demands of a warming planet.

Zinkand, whose firm has been at the forefront of low-impact design, will share practical strategies for reducing water usage, increasing biodiversity, and creating more resilient turf systems. With increasing water scarcity and land degradation affecting golf courses globally, the session highlights how design can serve not only the player’s experience but the planet’s health. From integrating native vegetation to prioritizing organic land care, the webinar underscores that sustainability is no longer a fringe concern in course architecture, it’s fast becoming a professional imperative.

IV Bizkaia PGAe Open: Golf for Social and Environmental Good

Dates: June 20th-22nd 

Location: Meaztegi Golf Club, La Arboleda, Bizkaia, Spain

Across the Atlantic, the IV Bizkaia PGAe Open in northern Spain offers a refreshing model for how professional golf can uplift both people and the planet. The tournament, hosted at the Meaztegi Golf Club, an iconic public course designed by Seve Ballesteros, is part of the II TUMI Spain Golf Tour and uniquely blends elite competition with grassroots impact. The event supports multiple social causes, including organisations such as Dalec and ELA, which raises awareness for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and Jon Rahm for Kids, a foundation focused on creating opportunities for underprivileged youth.

What makes this tournament particularly impactful is its integration of sport, sustainability, and social justice. In addition to raising funds for its partnered charities, the event highlights inclusive access to golf and promotes public course development—a critical issue in making the game more equitable. Furthermore, efforts are being made to limit the environmental footprint of the event through reduced energy usage, conscious catering, and minimal waste policies. It’s a strong reminder that golf’s reach goes far beyond the greens—it can be a force for regeneration, education, and solidarity.

At Stanners Golf, we are continually inspired by these progressive steps being taken around the world to make golf a game that not only respects nature but actively restores it. From rethinking design to rewilding landscapes, the movement is gaining momentum. And as we prepare to launch our latest innovation, a sustainable golf glove made from cactus-based plant materials, we remain committed to ensuring that every swing, stitch, and product we craft contributes to a future where performance and planetary care go hand in hand.