Coventry Golf Club in England is celebrating the centenary of its current course this year, and has made 2012 extra special by earning certification from the Golf Environment Organization for its sustainability efforts.

Head professional Phil Weaver led the process for the club. “We recognise the pressures on the environment at large and understand that golf clubs have an important responsibility to take their stewardship of the land seriously,” he said. “In the last few years we have become much more aware and active, making sustainability a consideration in every decision we make.”

Consultant Matt Johns was the club’s verifier. He said: “What was particularly impressive was the range of environmental aspects covered by the club’s activities, from use of treated effluent for irrigation, to working with the local river's geomorphology, to renewables, waste management. A great deal of passion, focus, and pride was evident and they have demonstrated commitment, innovation and real-world results.”