HOSTED BY JOHN FAILLA, FOUNDER OF GOLF SUSTAINABILITY
In this episode of the Golf Sustainability Podcast, Golf Ireland’s Head of Sustainability, Anne Kelleher, and sustainability consultant Gráinne Kelleher outline how a blank canvas turned into one of the most comprehensive governing body sustainability programs in the sport. From biodiversity audits and pesticide tracking to decarbonization strategy and GEO certification, “Driving the Green” is structured, measurable, and designed to scale.
Golf Ireland is not easing into sustainability, it is building a national framework around it. With 376 affiliated clubs, over 236,000 registered members, and major events including the Open at Royal Portrush, the Amgen Irish Open, and the upcoming Ryder Cup in Adare, the governing body for golf across Ireland has both scale and influence.
In this episode of the Golf Sustainability Podcast, Golf Ireland’s Head of Sustainability, Anne Courtney and sustainability consultant Gráinne Kelleher outline how a blank canvas turned into one of the most comprehensive governing body sustainability programs in the sport. From biodiversity audits and pesticide tracking to decarbonization strategy and GEO certification, “Driving the Green” is structured, measurable, and designed to scale.
[07:30] How Golf Ireland built a sustainability strategy from scratch
[11:00] The four pillars of the Driving the Green program
[15:00] Biodiversity audits and digital pesticide tracking requirements
[19:30] Energy audits, decarbonization, and funding renewable upgrades
[28:30] GEO certification and the role of data in long term planning
[35:00] Overcoming resistance and engaging members beyond management
When Anne stepped into the role just over two years ago, there was no pre existing sustainability blueprint. The first phase was listening, meeting stakeholders, understanding club realities, and identifying early adopters. From that research came a standalone sustainability strategy called Driving the Green, launched nationally in March 2024.
Rather than attempt to manage every specialty internally, Golf Ireland assembled a team of experts covering ecology, decarbonization, waste, funding, and certification. The program was structured around four pillars, fostering nature, conserving resources, strengthening communities, and tackling climate action.
The approach is practical. Biodiversity audits now provide clubs with five to ten year ecological roadmaps. A digital pesticide logging portal ensures compliance with new national regulations. Energy audits, delivered in partnership with Sustainable Energy Ireland, establish baselines and funding pathways for renewable transitions.
The philosophy is simple, let the figures do the talking. One club reduced energy costs from approximately 100,000 to 25,000 annually through retrofitting and renewable investment. Financial sustainability and environmental sustainability are positioned as aligned, not competing priorities.
A strategy is only as strong as its adoption. Golf Ireland focused early on engagement, offering free and impartial support to affiliated clubs. Within twelve months, 27 percent of clubs were actively participating in the program.
The work reaches beyond boards and managers. Greenkeepers play a central role, particularly in biodiversity and turf management practices. Volunteer involvement has grown significantly, including one club with 50 volunteers dedicated to biodiversity initiatives alone.
Certification through GEO Foundation’s OnCourse portal has provided structure and continuity. The platform centralizes documentation, supports benchmarking, and strengthens Ireland’s position as a sustainable golf destination for international tourism and corporate events.
Water stewardship, even in a country known for rainfall, has emerged as a priority. Clubs are investing in rainwater harvesting and storage systems to achieve seasonal self sufficiency. Coastal erosion challenges, particularly for links courses, are being addressed in collaboration with The R and A.
While early progress centered on awareness and participation, the next stage is action and measurable impact. Sixty eight pilot projects are currently underway across clubs, with a growing emphasis on data collection to inform national decision making.
Decarbonization remains a major opportunity. Government incentives have accelerated renewable adoption, though upfront capital remains a barrier for some clubs. Creative financing solutions and low cost funding models are under exploration.
Golf Ireland’s long term ambition is clear, to position golf as a leader within sustainable sport. By prioritizing credible data, cross sector collaboration, and practical implementation, the organization aims to deliver measurable environmental outcomes while strengthening financial resilience across clubs.
If sustainability is a team sport, Driving the Green is proving that coordinated leadership at the national level can accelerate change at scale.
Resources:
Learn more about Golf Ireland
Connect with Anne Courtney
Connect with Grainne Kelliher
LISTEN ON