In 2025, Irish golf took a decisive step forward in environmental action. Golf Ireland’s sustainability strategy, Drive the Green, moved from policy to practice at scale, involving more clubs, more partners and more measurable outcomes than ever before.
With 103 clubs enrolled in the Sustainability Leaders Programme, the sport is undergoing a cultural shift — from how land is managed to how energy is used, how biodiversity is supported, and how future climate risks are addressed.
The Real Meaning of “Drive the Green”
Drive the Green is more than a branding exercise. It is a structured, multi-year plan aligned with the GEO Foundation for Sustainable Golf’s global standards. Each participating club receives guidance across:
- biodiversity management
- water use
- pesticides and chemical management
- energy efficiency
- waste reduction
- carbon measurement
For the first time, Irish golf has a national framework linking environmental action with club operations, long-term planning and member engagement.
Biodiversity: From Fairways to Ecosystems
One of the most high-impact initiatives has been the biodiversity mapping of 34 courses. Led by ecologist Alan Lauder, each club received a bespoke report listing:
- species present
- habitat quality
- ecological risks
- opportunities for improvement
- recommended restoration practices
Clubs from Donegal to Cork now have detailed ecological baselines — a foundation for long-term environmental stewardship.
Pesticide Monitoring: A National First in Sport
In January, Golf Ireland and the Association of Turfgrass Professionals Ireland (ATPI), in consultation with the Department of Agriculture, launched a pesticide-use monitoring portal. The portal:
- helps clubs track chemical use
- supports compliance with regulations
- assists with long-term reduction targets
- provides anonymised national data
- enhances transparency and public accountability
Crucially, it is provided free of charge with free training for greenkeepers.
Energy and Carbon Footprint
Golf Ireland reduced its own carbon footprint by installing a Solar PV system at Carton Demesne, which now provides 49% of annual energy usage.
The impact extends to clubs, with many now exploring:
- LED course lighting
- electric machinery
- rainwater harvesting
- low-emission boilers
- heat pumps
- carbon audits
These changes are not only greener — they reduce operating costs.
Waste, Recycling and Circular Design
In partnership with TOMRA Collection Ireland, Deposit Return Scheme machines were installed at both the AMGEN Irish Open and KPMG Women’s Irish Open. Funds raised went to community partners, merging environmental action with social impact.
Putting Sustainability on the National Agenda
Two major events defined 2025’s sustainability conversation.
Ireland’s first-ever Sustainability Golf Forum, hosted with the DP World Tour during the opening round of the Irish Open, which Sport for Business Rob Hartnett had the pleasure to host.
The first Club Sustainability Forum, held at Royal Dublin.
These brought together government, ecologists, agronomists, climate specialists and club representatives. Their message was clear: sustainability is now a competitive advantage.
A Cultural Shift in Clubs
Clubs are beginning to see sustainability as central to:
- financial resilience
- member experience
- public reputation
- future-proofing course conditions
- protecting natural assets
This cultural shift is evident in how clubs communicate with members, implement new maintenance practices and engage with community groups.
The Road Ahead
The next phase of Drive the Green will expand the leaders’ programme, provide new expert supports, and deliver more training for club staff and volunteers. As Ireland prepares for the Ryder Cup in 2027, the world will be watching how the island integrates sustainability into major event delivery.
Golf Ireland is positioning itself — and its clubs — not just as participants in climate action but as leaders.
Keep following as we dive deeper into Golf Ireland’s successes of 2025.
Further Reading for Sport for Business members:
Read our Sport for Business Coverage of Golf
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