The first UK Golf Federation (UKGF) GolfBIC Sustainablity Roadshow was hailed a huge success by all delegates and presenters.

Held at the amazing Hounslow Golf Park near Heathrow Airport, the day saw presentations by Simon Watson BSc.PhD of the R&A Sustainability Team, and Jonathan Smith, Executive Director of the GEO Foundation presenting on the major long-term ways golf course owners and operators can vision their best direction to manage their golf courses and clubhouses etc, over the coming years.

These presentations were further supported by the UKGF’s Corporate Partners outlining directives on how their companies support sustainability for the environment in their daily operations and how their businesses can support sustainable golf and ways that the UKGF can benefit from their businesses.

Gareth Macklin (Founder of Obbi Golf) outlined how saver practices help streamline golf facility operations. Gustav Andersson (Sweetspot) travelled in for the day to present on Sweetspot tee time solutions & Golf Genius introduced their new golf competition management technology.

Whilst most good operators identify safety as a high priority for the sustainability of their club, the recent Club Safety and Compliance Report identified that 78% of managers did not feel confident they were meeting all necessary compliance requirements. Whilst serious incidents are rare, the presentation by Gareth highlighted examples of the significant consequences including fines, serious injuries, prison and even the loss of life. Gareth highlighted many examples of best practise and advice on keeping your club safer every day and how the Obbi platform continues to help clubs revolutionise safety and compliance culture.

Alfie and Ed (EV Chargers) went through all the issues of electric charge points for cars and the EVC solutions available for golf course owners & finally, Ed Pettit, Managing Director at Carr Golf, who offer golf course management solutions, presented and supported the GolfBIC Roadshow on how they can maximise golf course conditions and budgets.

The day was completed by an impressive presentation by Ian Blunt (inrange) who said, “We are seeing a huge rises in players who only want to swing a club off-course (at driving ranges, minigolf, simulator venues etc.) – and golf clubs that want to remain financially sustainable need to ensure their off-course offering (their range) is in a position to sell to both golfers and non-golfers. The solution isn’t tech alone – it is the right technology that enhances practice as well as offers enticing games and events for social play and large groups. Inrange is working with facilities across the world looking to future proof their business, by making the driving range a core revenue centre and not just a value add for customers.”

The vision of the UK Golf Federation and its 1,200+ members is to work with all golf industry stakeholders towards sustainable golf operation’s over the coming years. The mission to strive towards nett/carbon golf facilities working with no pesticides, reduce water usage, reduce one use plastic, increase solar power usage and less reliance on fertilizers is so important for the betterment of the community and the world’s environment.

There is still time to book for the next two GolfBIC Roadshows :  

•        Brampton Park, Cambridge – Wednesday 8th May

•        GolfIt, Glasgow – Thursday 16th May

To book your place please email Jane Montgomery – manager@ukgolffederation.com