The R&A has relaunched its bestcourseforgolf.org Web site to make it more user-friendly and visually striking.

To make material more accessible, the site now tailors the information and guidance provided to users from three distinct groups: greenkeepers, administrators and golfers.

The new site makes greater use of images, videos and interactivity, but it retains the key features of the previous site; the sustainability map, the self-assessment facility, the benchmarking system and the forum.

It has already received acclaim from Graeme Duncan, general manager at Carnoustie, host course of the 2007 Open Championship and 2011 Senior Open Championship. “Carnoustie Golf Links has been an active user of the Best Course for Golf website for a number of years,” said Duncan. “With the continual advances in greenkeeping products and practices, environmental concerns and economic issues providing daily challenges to managing a golf course, it is no longer possible to work in isolation.

“If, as a golf club, you are not making use of this facility we would certainly encourage you to join up and take advantage of the benefits.”

Steve Isaac, the R&A's director of golf course management said “The original Web site was launched in 2004 and recognised the R&A's commitment to the environment. This new site demonstrates a progression of our understanding of the sustainable golf course. We are providing golf courses with guidance and tools to execute better environmental practice, work to reduce their carbon footprint and make a significant contribution to their community.”