The role of certification in promoting sustainable golf courses / Alex Morris.

With current sustainability goals, changing the trends of golf course design and management is an important issue. Golf courses are a good focus because they are important socially, economically, and environmentally. This paper investigates Audubon International golf course conservation certification's role in assisting golf courses ecological well-being; and how this influences sustainability trends. A research review shows Audubon International is up to date on resource conservation practices. Consumers are important in reinforcing the trend of courses perusing certification. Consumer data is still needed to indicate if environmentally friendly design is highly demanded. If so, these courses will not only better conserve resources, but also gain a competitive advantage over other golf facilities and become more economically viable. Golf courses are already municipal revenue and environmental assets, conservation certification can further help these facilities achieve sustainability. Included is a case study of two courses within the same municipality that show higher revenue at the certified course. This reflects some support from the Jefferson County Open Space Fund for the courses outstanding wildlife habitate, but also likely the consumer's enjoyment of the course. However, it remains unknown if this support is in response to the conservation certification specifically.