HOSTED BY JOHN FAILLA, FOUNDER OF GOLF SUSTAINABILITY
As nature and biodiversity take center stage, Maria explains why storytelling, collaboration, and learning in public are becoming essential tools for driving long-term impact across the sport.
Sustainability in golf is entering a new phase. What started as isolated initiatives is now becoming something far more structured, collaborative, and scalable. In this episode, John sits down with Maria Grandinetti Milton, Director of Sustainability at the DP World Tour, to explore how sustainability leadership evolves when programs move from ideas to embedded systems.
Maria shares how the DP World Tour is creating practical frameworks that help tournaments, suppliers, and partners take meaningful action, without losing momentum or clarity. From new sustainability charters to global awards and regional forums, the focus is on making progress repeatable across countries, cultures, and courses.
The conversation also looks ahead to what’s next. As nature and biodiversity take center stage, Maria explains why storytelling, collaboration, and learning in public are becoming essential tools for driving long-term impact across the sport.
[00:00] Sustainability as a journey, not a destination
[03:00] Maria’s role and the scope of sustainability across the DP World Tour
[04:00] Why the Championship Sustainability Charter was created
[10:30] Expanding the Global Sustainability Awards
[17:00] Sustainability forums in Scotland and Ireland
[22:30] Joining the UN Sports for Nature initiative
[27:00] Updating strategy and scaling what works
With dozens of events across the globe, consistency is one of golf’s biggest sustainability challenges. Maria explains how the Championship Sustainability Charter provides a clear, practical blueprint for tournament organizers, outlining realistic entry points and pathways to stronger performance over time.
Rather than overwhelming teams, the charter focuses on clarity, accessibility, and shared expectations, helping sustainability become part of how events are run, not an add-on.
The DP World Tour’s Global Sustainability Awards are more than trophies. They’re designed to surface real examples of leadership across suppliers, venues, and partners, and turn those successes into learning opportunities for others.
Maria shares how the awards have expanded globally and why celebrating progress publicly plays a powerful role in driving adoption and innovation.
Through sustainability forums in Scotland and Ireland, the Tour is bringing together federations, governments, clubs, and communities to tackle shared challenges. These conversations highlight how professional golf can act as a connector, accelerating learning and alignment across the wider ecosystem.
As the DP World Tour joins the United Nations Sports for Nature initiative, Maria explains why nature is becoming a central pillar of sustainability strategy. From biodiversity on courses to engaging fans through storytelling, the next chapter is about deepening connection while scaling impact.
Resources mentioned
DP World Tour
Geo Foundation for Sustainable Golf
United Nations Sports for Nature
United Nations Sports for Climate Action
Visit Scotland
Golf Ireland
Connect with the guest
Maria Grandinetti Milton
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