GOLF 20/20 Endorses International Golf Federation ‘Statement on Sustainability’

Leading U.S. Organizations Strengthen Commitment to Golf Course Environmental Practices

(ST. AUGUSTINE, FLA.) – GOLF 20/20 -- the collaboration of leading organizations representing all segments of the United States golf industry – has endorsed the International Golf Federation (IGF) “Statement on Sustainability” to employ environmental best practices.

The statement was issued by the IGF, the organization that promotes golf and oversees it as an Olympic sport, and advances development of the game globally.

Launched in 2000, GOLF 20/20 is comprised of the American Society of Golf Course Architects, Club Managers Association of America, Golf Course Builders Association of America, Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, Ladies Professional Golf Association, National Golf Course Owners Association, Professional Golfers Association of America, PGA TOUR, United States Golf Association, World Golf Foundation and others.  In growing the game, GOLF 20/20 facilitates industry promotion of golf’s economic, human and environmental contributions to society.

With a focus on design, construction and management of environmentally-responsible and economically-viable golf courses, the statement pledges to:
* Provide ecological and economic benefits to local communities
* Protect habitat for wildlife and plant species
* Offer important green space
* Use natural resources efficiently
* Respect land adjacent to golf properties
* Support ongoing scientific research of eco-friendly solutions

In aggregate, stepping up environmental consciousness among course managers and developers continuously improves water conservation, water quality protection, energy savings and pollution reduction.

“The IGF statement is a major step in unifying essential principles of golf-course sustainability on a worldwide scale,” says Steve Mona, CEO of the World Golf Foundation, administrator of GOLF 20/20.  “As industry leaders, our responsibility is to ensure stewardship of the land, benefitting the sport’s vitality for generations to come.”

Promotion of and accountability to this sustainable business philosophy parallels the rapid globalization of golf, including emerging countries. For example, the China Golf Association estimates there will be more than 20 million golfers in its country by 2020.

For more information: www.golf2020.com.