SouthWood Golf Club in Tallahassee, Florida, has won an award for environmental stewardship. The course, built by architect Gene Bates and signature designer Fred Couples, has been designated a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary by Audubon International.

The course, owned by the St Joe Company and managed by Billy Casper Golf, is one of fewer than 700 worldwide honoured in this way. SouthWood was specifically commended for its water quality management, outreach and education. 

“Environmental conservation and education are key components to golf course operations and maintenance at SouthWood,” said Eddie Snipes, head superintendent and chief environmental steward.

A public facility, SouthWood was specifically noted for involving members in its projects such as bird watching, wildlife inventorying, funding for planting projects and providing support to local environmental groups. The course developed a comprehensive water quality management plan with high standards of aquatic testing, minimising chemical additives, extensive vegetative buffers and protecting stream and wetland water quality. 

“SouthWood has shown a strong commitment to its environmental programme and should be commended for its efforts to provide a sanctuary for wildlife on the golf course property,” said Jim Sluiter, staff ecologist for Audubon. “Courses must demonstrate that they are maintaining a high degree of environmental quality in a number of areas.”