Greener fairways? Biodiversity and sustainability certifications in the golf industry

This paper examines the relationship between golf courses and biodiversity by reviewing existing research on golf and ecology, identifying key ecological principles relevant to golf course management, and evaluating how two major sustainability certification programs incorporate biodiversity considerations. Golf courses are often criticized for their environmental impacts because they involve intensive land management, monoculture turfgrass, water use, and chemical inputs. However, the study highlights that golf courses can also serve as important biodiversity refuges and ecological corridors when designed and managed appropriately.

The authors conducted a systematic review of peer-reviewed literature on golf and biodiversity, identifying 23 studies published between 1987 and 2020. They then assessed how well two sustainability certification systems, the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program (ACSP) and GEO Certified, integrate these ecological principles into their evaluation frameworks.

The review found that golf courses can positively support biodiversity, particularly in urban and suburban landscapes, by providing habitats for birds, insects, plants, and other wildlife species. The study also found that both ACSP and GEO Certified generally align well with ecological concepts such as habitat complexity, species richness, and disturbance management, although they pay less attention to broader regional biodiversity dynamics such as landscape connectivity and species-area relationships.

The findings suggest that golf course managers can substantially improve biodiversity outcomes through intentional ecological planning, native vegetation management, habitat restoration, and stronger coordination with regional conservation efforts. Educating golfers and stakeholders is critical, so that biodiversity conservation becomes an accepted and supported component of golf course management and sustainability strategy.

CITE: Howell, J. P., Moore, J., Petersen, L. A., & Crumrine, P. (2024). Biodiversity on golf courses: The role of sustainability certifications. International Journal of Sport Management, 25(4), 345.