The European Institute of Golf Course Architects has announced that Rain Bird is to be the technical supporters of the Introductory Session of its ‘Raising the Standard of Sustainable Golf Course Design’ programme.

‘Raising the Standard of Sustainable Golf Course Design’ is a three stage programme which will start in April during EIGCA’s AGM in Malmö, Sweden. The programme, which has been developed in partnership with the Golf Environment Organization, will be the first continuing professional development course on sustainable golf in the world and will provide EIGCA members with knowledge on sustainable development principles. They will then need to demonstrate their understanding through the submission of a real case study.

EIGCA environment committee chairman Tom Mackenzie said: “The session will involve a two day briefing to introduce the contents of the education programme, explain the principles of sustainable development and how GEO certification works, and to give an overview of the Institute´s aims and commitments with regard to environmental questions. As part of this session we will be looking at the six main action areas that comprise sustainable golf – landscapes and ecosystems, water, energy, products and supply chains, environmental quality and people and communities.”