Troon International at the heart of sustainability

Troon International, the leader in upscale golf course management, continues to support the long-running sustainability activities and extension of environmental policies at many of its facilities around the
world, despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, including taking greater steps to reduce waste and conserve
the environment.

As the world comes together to tackle the ongoing spread of the Coronavirus, Troon International believes this
collective effort can be replicated in regards to environmental sustainability and the company’s own efforts in
ensuring that Troon International minimises its potential negative impact on both the environment and the
societies in which the company is based, while also maximising the positive benefits they can offer those around
them. Following the success of pioneers in the sustainability movement, other Troon venues are now introducing
new activities to invest into environmental practices.
One standout example of this is the prestigious UK property, The Grove. The championship venue have made a
commitment to environmental practices in the last twelve months, such as removing single use plastic across
their food and beverage outlets, use of compostable or reusable vessels, and implementation of a waste
strategy to achieve zero waste to landfill. Their efforts saw them awarded a Green Apple Award for Recycling
Initiative & Environmental Best Practice last November. The annual international campaign recognises, rewards and promotes environmental best practice around the world and has become one of the most popular global environmental campaigns over the past 25 years.

Similarly, Las Colinas Golf and Country Club in Alicante, Spain, is making headway in reducing its carbon
footprint by replacing all plastic water bottles on the buggy fleet and all one-litre bottles sold in the clubhouse
with biodegradable Tetra-Pacs – a combined saving of more than 50,000 bottles per year. They are also now
using compostable cups at their water dispensers in the gym, these cups are collected and composted onsite to
use in and around the property. The sale of plastic tees will also be banned, in addition to the club implementing
the sale of a new clothing brand called Ecoalf, a Spanish product created from recycled ocean plastic and drinks
bottles.

Jon Brook, Director of Golf and Sports at Las Colinas, commented: “Sustainable golf development is
successful golf development. The team at Las Colinas has worked hard by taking practical actions that make a
difference, and it’s encouraging to see stakeholders within the industry realising the importance of small
changes we can all make.”
Moving north-east, The PGA National Czech Republic at The Oaks in Prague has placed a strong emphasis on
using natural resources to support sustainability with the recent completion of a Strategic Forestry plan to
enhance native species in the region. This has seen the property develop its own bark mulch, which will not only
smother weeds and eliminate the use of herbicides, it will also reduce watering requirements and provide a non-
artificial surface for new paths and walkways.
Located in southwest Peloponnese in Greece, Costa Navarino is home to two of the finest Troon managed golf
courses in Europe and, in 2019, saw the creation of one of the world’s first earth-sheltered clubhouses. Literally
built into the natural landscape, the Bay Course building is directly aligned with the club’s sustainable principles
and the design is based on a doctrine of bioclimatic architecture. Not only does it feature planted roofs,
including a total of 27,500 plants and trees both around the clubhouse and on its rooftop, it also uses materials
and systems that maximise the building’s energy efficiency.

In the Middle East, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club was designed with sensitivity to the surrounding natural
environment and in compliance with strict environmental guidelines. Home to over 180 bird species, families of
Mountain Gazelle and a natural nesting area for Hawksbill turtles, the club is dedicated to protecting its wildlife.
As a result, the Abu Dhabi venue became a certified Audubon member, members of the program have
demonstrated their commitment to environmental stewardship by completing our multifaceted certification
process thereby reducing water and chemical usage, increasing wildlife habitat areas, and more.
Francisco de Lancastre David, Cluster General Manager at Abu Dhabi Golf Club, Saadiyat Beach
Golf Club and Yas Links Abu Dhabi said: “Our vision for Saadiyat Beach Golf Club is to successfully operate
a world-class golf course in full harmony with its natural environment. The club is immensely proud to be a fully
certified Audubon International golf course and we will continue to assess our ongoing practises to ensure we
are operating at the most efficient levels.”
Staying in the United Arab Emirates, Al Hamra Golf Club in Ras Al Khaimah was the first golf club in the region
to go fully plastic-free, having eliminated any item in September last year. The club has also introduced a high-
quality water filtration solution, meaning members and guests are now supplied with a 500ml or one-litre glass
bottle that can be replenished throughout their round and returned following play.
In Dubai, The Track Meydan Golf took steps last year to remove single-use plastic water bottles from the facility.
To ensure the guest experience is not compromised, the facility have invested in additional water dispensers
around the course allowing players to refill their bottles at the Mai Dubai water stations.
Mark Chapleski, President of Troon International, said: “It has been astonishing to see how much has
been achieved by our properties. Our property leaders, alongside their expert teams, have all been working
diligently to put practices into place that ensure our courses are more sustainable and efficient – ensuring the
environment remains a top priority for everyone.
“Troon International is proud to be working with facilities around the world that are united in their
environmental focus and recognise the important role golf can play in both bettering and maintaining the
landscapes and communities around them. As the properties achieve global recognition for their efforts, Troon
International hopes to inspire others to take action, becoming more environmentally friendly and sustainably
focused in the process.”