Sport and Environment Spotlight Shines on Denmark



15 October 2009 - So it’s official: golf will rejoin the roster of Olympic Sports at Rio 2016. The IOC’s landmark announcement, encouraged by a united campaign from golf’s global powers, has already begun to reinvigorate government support and opened new funding streams across the industry.
But golf’s focus should not move from Copenhagen quite yet. While the IOC’s decision has the potential to spark an explosion of golf, the forthcoming United Nations Climate Change Conference could result in stringent new legislation designed to eliminate ecosystem degradation and drastically reduce carbon emissions.
As government, business and society face up to the reality of our planet’s ailing health, the need for golf to proudly demonstrate its value as an environmental and community asset has never been more pressing.
In this maelstrom, one pioneering golf facility has stepped up to the mark.
Denmark’s Viborg Golfklub has shown leadership in the sector by achieving GEO (Golf Environment Organisation) Certified status, golf’s most prestigious environmental award.
With the Danish Golf Union (DGU), GEO and local government figures present at the award ceremony, Viborg’s new state-of-the-art maintenance facility hosted the team of staff and volunteers that worked to achieve the award, alongside a good turnout from the membership.
Recognising their efforts, GEO’s Director of Communications Benjamin Warren said:
“Viborg Golfklub have demonstrated their commitment to become a resource efficient, ecologically rich, community integrated golf club, delivering ever increasing standards of environmental management.
“Through the direct action of clubs like Viborg, golf facilities have the potential to play their part in driving sustainable lifestyles and sustainable livelihoods. Their detailed Certification Report, available for anyone to read on the GEO website, is a case study in sustainable golf.”
Further information on GEO and Viborg’s Environmental Programme is available at www.golfenvironment.org/certification.

Source: GEO

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