Eco-Golf tournament seeks to raise profile of green issues in the desert
ByWe all know that few charity events draw as much prestige over a short period of time as a sponsored golf tournament, this October will see Phoenix hosting the first ever Eco-Golf event in the state of Arizona. Organized by The Phoenix Green Chamber of Commerce (PGCC) the one day event is making sure every aspect of the tournament will be as environmentally friendly as possible for players and spectators alike. The first annual Terra Initiative Foundation Charity Green Golf Event will take place on October 15, 2010. Proceeds from the event will benefit non-profit groups with an environmental mandate such as; The Terra Initiative Foundation, The Phoenix Green Chamber of Commerce, and the Arizona State University School of Sustainability.
The tournament will be held at McCormick Ranch in Phoenix
The tournament management are as excited about raising green awareness as the actual golf that will be played on the day and feel the unique nature of the event will breed success. All of the golf equipment used will be from an eco-friendly manufacturer. Recycling and green information booths will be a part of the event as will trying to ensure the theme matches runs deep through the event.
Same day recycling, eco-friendly catering, car pooling and sponsorship from ‘green’ business are also on the agenda for the day, the PGCC CEO adds:
“We are thrilled to be associated with this first of its kind green golf event and we believe collaboration is key. It is a good to be a part of a new, green approach to a special event and golf is a great fit for our membership.”
All golfers who take part will receive eco-friendly gifts and prize incentives, competitors will also have the the chance to win a hybrid vehicle should somebody manage to sink a hole in one. Golf is often seen as one of the city’s least environmentally friendly past times but clubs are looking to change that perception with sustainable landscaping, constant reuse of irrigation water and other green initiatives. In a town where the urban heat bubble due to paved roads and parking lots can cause a 10 degree Fahrenheit overnight temperature spike in built up districts of the city. I know from experience that the golf courses in this area act as cooling zones overnight. Reducing the need for air conditioning to at least some extent. In a state that should be far more reliant on solar power by now, Arizona still has huge potential for improvement not least in urban planning. Hopefully the golf tournament will make more people aware of the green chamber of commerce in the city.
Learn more about The Terra Initiative Foundation Charity Green Golf at their website .
Learn more about the The Phoenix Green Chamber of Commerce, a non-profit organization committed to advancing a sustainable economy.
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2 Comments
July 23rd, 2010 at 3:25 pm
It is easy to be highly suspect of a “green” golfing event. While I am responding immmediately here, admittedly without going to either linked website…I will be looking for what they are doing about measuring and managing their water usage. It is my belief that a path back to links - style courses that reflect that natural habitat in which they reside is the future of golf because water is the future of golf and the water usage has to be relative to the natural habitat…whether you are in Arizona, Thailand, Scotland or Washington.
Of course there are scores of other issues: what’s happening in hospitality, will they provide water NOT in plastic bottles?, what are the clubhouses doing about GHG management, garbage, recycling, composting and regenerating and preserving wildlife habitat. Is the food local, natural, organic, seasonal. Of course you can’t do all these things all at the same time…but these are some of the big issues. If I am leaving something out…please tell me…and if all this is happening - then everyone should know about it!
There is a huge opportunity for the golf industry to take a leading role…but the desire for every course to look like Augusta is going to have to change.
Audubon International, Salmon Safe and the Envirnmental Institute for Golf are all good starting points.
THat’s all for now. Happy to have a dialogue
July 24th, 2010 at 8:17 pm
Many thanks for your comments. While the event isn’t mentioning every topic you bring up they do seem to be addressing many of the issues concerned. I’d give it a good grade based on looking to raise awareness and a better grade for actually making itself a carbon neutral event. In Arizona water is treated like the precious commodity that it is and golf courses are the most sustainable and water efficient in the country. In fact due to the Arizona Cross Cut project the state actually sells excess water rights to California every single year.