80 When the Golf It! facility in Glasgow, Scotland, opened last year, the R&A’s primary aspirations were to grow the game among the local community, particularly those who had little to no contact with golf. The new facility was built on the site of the former Lethamhill golf course, and includes a full-length nine-hole layout, a two-deck floodlit driving range, adventure golf, park golf, padel courts and walking trails. Eight months in, and the facility is already proving a hit. “In the first eight weeks, there were 50,000 people through the door, and two million balls hit on the range,” says golf architect Scott Macpherson. And now, Golf It! has had its credentials recognised by the GEO Sustainable Golf Foundation. “The achievement of becoming a GEO Certified Development underlines our commitment to sustainability and the efforts we are making to ensure that golf has a positive impact on the environment and provides real value to people living in local communities,” says Russell Smith, general manager at Golf It! “We have worked tirelessly to develop a venue which allows people to enjoy the many health benefits of golf with their family and friends and promotes the importance of time spent outdoors in the fresh air. It reflects the requirements of a sustainable golf development which many other facilities worldwide can look to in the progression of their own venues and activities.” Sustainability has been a big part of the vision for Golf It! throughout the entire development, including design, construction and management. “The project has transformed the site to include far more important wetland and woodland habitat to boost biodiversity and create more spaces for priority species to inhabit,” says Sam Thomas, director of golf development at GEO. “The result is an urban golf facility that is accessible to so many people to enjoy golf in a variety of formats. I don’t think we have seen a community impact as positive as this before in golf developments.” A sustainable development strategy will evolve over the next five years with a focus on increasing biodiversity, incorporating a detailed carbon management plan and working towards achieving GEO Certification for the facility’s long-term operations. Photo: The R&A HOLING OUT Making a difference The R&A’s Golf It! facility in Glasgow is recognised for its sustainability efforts.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NzQ1NTk=