TPC Stonebrae Recognized for Environmental Excellence

(Hayward, CA) - TPC Stonebrae has retained its designation as a "Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary” through the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses, an Audubon International program.

The golf course was originally designated as a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary in 2010, and is one of 69 in California and 869 courses in the world to receive the honor. Courses from the United States, Canada, Africa, Australia, Central America, Europe, South America, and Southeast Asia have also achieved certification in the program.

“The original environmental goals presented during design and construction seven years ago have been fully realized,” said David Davies, Superintendent of TPC Stonebrae. “That vision continues to be a part of our daily maintenance philosophy.”

Participation in the program is designed to help course personnel plan, organize, implement, and document a comprehensive environmental management program and receive recognition for their efforts. To reach certification, a course must demonstrate that they are maintaining a high degree of environmental quality in a number of areas including: Environmental Planning, Wildlife & Habitat Management, Outreach and Education, Chemical Use Reduction and Safety, Water Conservation, and Water Quality Management.

"TPC Stonebrae shown a strong commitment to its environmental program. They are to be commended for their efforts to provide a sanctuary for wildlife on the golf course property," said Laura Karosic, Associate Director of Environmental Programs at Audubon International.

After designation, courses go through a recertification process every two years. This year the recertification process required a visit by a local community representative. Gary Ingram, Director of Agronomy at the Golf Course Superintendents Association of Americia (GCSAA), was given a tour of the course and sent his observations to Audubon International.

“I was honored to be asked to tour TPC Stonebrae on an Audubon International recertification visit and learn about their extensive environmental efforts. Stonebrae is a perfect example how golf courses and golf course superintendents can be an integral part of Mother Nature’s success.”

“We see the site visit as an important component of a course’s recertification,” stated Karosic. “It provides an objective verification of some of the more visible aspects of the course’s environmental management activities. In addition, it offers an opportunity for golf course representatives to share publicly some of the voluntary actions they have taken to protect and sustain the land, water, wildlife, and natural resources around them.”