Parliamentary Group hosts discussion on golf and the environment

On the 11th July, the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Golf hosted a panel discussion on golf and the environment in the Palace of Westminster. 

MPs and Peers were joined by associate members in Parliament as issues around climate change, water and energy use and conservation, ecological protection and preventing pollution, were discussed.

The panel included: Steve Isaac, The R&A’s Director of Sustainability; Jim Croxton, Chief Executive of the British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association; Jonathan Smith, Executive Director of the Golf Environment Organisation; and Bob Taylor, Head of Ecology and Environment at the Sports Turf Research Institute. 

Speaking after the meeting, All-Party Parliamentary Golf Group Co-Chair and Member of Parliament for North Warwickshire, Craig Tracey MP, said “it was a pleasure to welcome the panel to Parliament, and discuss a number of important issues for the golf industry related to sustainability and the environment.

“Whilst non-golfers often point to chemical, water and energy usage, it is clear that golf courses across the United Kingdom show concern and awareness for environmental issues, and are positive contributors to ecology and the environment, providing biodiversity and habitat corridors. 

“The All-Party Parliamentary Golf Group will look to further promote the positive contribution that golf makes to our environment, and the efforts that a range of golf organisations are making to ensure the industry is environmentally sustainable.”