• Golf Sustainability | Environmental Solutions to Keep the Game of Golf Sustainable for Future Golfers

  • By: John Failla
  • Podcast

Golf Sustainability | Environmental Solutions to Keep the Game of Golf Sustainable for Future Golfers

By: John Failla
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  • Summary

  • On a mission to drive positive change in the golf industry for a greener future! Host John Failla focuses on advancing the sustainability of both the environment and the game of golf for generations to come through valuable insights, meaningful connections, and inspiring stories. This passionate golfer, who has already played on 39 of the World’s Top 100 Golf Courses, brings together industry leaders and organizations: Greg Nathan, the President and Chief Executive Officer of the National Golf Foundation (NGF), Graeme Beatt, the Course Manager at Royal Portrush Golf Course in Ireland, Dave Barton, the executive director of the National Alliance for Accessible Golf, and many more. John and his guests are united by a shared commitment to the cause. Over the past 15 years, John has created, developed and sold two businesses focused on helping large private and public sector organizations accomplish their sustainability goals and navigate the energy transition to clean energy. Most recently, the research, digital media, events and podcasts created by John at Smart Energy Decisions have been widely recognized for their thought leadership and impact in helping large organizations achieve their sustainability goals and reduce their carbon emissions. John is leveraging his experience in corporate sustainability and his passion for golf in the development of Golf Sustainability as a resource to help accelerate adoption of best practices in environmental, social and economic sustainability within the golf industry to ensure the viability of the game for future generations. Be part of the movement for golf sustainability!
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Episodes
  • Inside Marriott Golf: Innovations Driving Sustainability Across the Globe

    Inside Marriott Golf: Innovations Driving Sustainability Across the Globe
    Jan 21 2025

    Sustainability in golf is no longer just a buzzword; it’s becoming a defining principle for the future of the sport. As challenges around resources and environmental impact grow, leaders in the industry are stepping forward with innovative approaches. Among them is David Robinson, Senior Director of Golf Grounds at Marriott International, who oversees a global portfolio of over 50 courses and has a unique perspective on how to balance tradition, performance, and responsibility.

    David brings decades of expertise in agronomy and a visionary mindset to his role. He’s driven by a belief that the courses we enjoy today should be left in even better condition for future generations. His work emphasizes efficiency, creativity, and technology to address modern challenges in ways that make sense for both the environment and the bottom line.

    This conversation highlights Marriott Golf’s proactive initiatives, from smarter water use to reducing inputs like chemicals and energy. David explores how innovative irrigation systems, turfgrass advancements, and automation are creating more sustainable, cost-effective, and reliable outcomes. His perspective shows how practical solutions can yield lasting benefits.

    David’s leadership is a reminder that sustainability isn’t about compromise; it’s about opportunity. By focusing on smarter, data-driven practices and working with top partners in the industry, he’s helping shape a future for golf that’s both responsible and exciting, one decision at a time.

    Topics covered:
    • David Robinson’s Career and Role at Marriott Golf [00:00]
    • Defining Sustainability at Marriott Golf [4:39]
    • Tackling Carbon Footprints and Water Management [6:22]
    • Challenges and Opportunities in a Global Portfolio [12:33]
    • Partnerships and Cutting-Edge Technology [15:42]
    • The Vision for the Future of Golf Course Irrigation [17:59]
    • Personal Inspiration and Legacy [33:00]
    Resources & People Mentioned
    • GEO Foundation – Leading tool for carbon footprint analysis in golf
    • Audubon International – Environmental certification standard adopted by Marriott Golf
    • USGA Green Section – Research leader in sustainable turfgrass and water management
    Connect with Our Guests

    LinkedIn: David Robinson

    Connect With Golf Sustainability
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    Subscribe to Golf Sustainability

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    Note: Timestamps provided are approximate.

    Thank you for listening to the Golf Sustainability podcast. If you found this episode interesting, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review! For more insights and updates on sustainable energy solutions, visit our website and follow us on social media.

    Audio, Video, and Show Notes by - PODCAST FAST TRACK
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    45 mins
  • Inside Golf’s Greatest Sustainability Transformation—DP World Tour’s Green Drive

    Inside Golf’s Greatest Sustainability Transformation—DP World Tour’s Green Drive
    Jan 14 2025

    Golf is a game deeply connected to nature, and its future depends on how well we care for the environment. Maria Grandinetti Milton, Director of Sustainability for the DP World Tour, is at the forefront of this mission, setting a remarkable example for the sports world. Her work spans global events, innovative environmental practices, and efforts to make golf more inclusive and community-focused.

    Maria leads the Green Drive initiative, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in sustainability. From using hydrogen-powered broadcasts to developing programs that help fans and players track and offset their carbon footprints, her efforts show what leadership looks like in a complex global sport. Recognized with the prestigious Transformation Award, her work demonstrates the impact of commitment and creativity.

    With 44 tournaments across 24 countries, the DP World Tour presents unique challenges—and opportunities. Under Maria’s guidance, sustainability isn’t just about reducing emissions but also about creating lasting positive impacts for communities and the natural world. Her story is a powerful example of how sports can inspire meaningful change.

    Topics covered:

    • Setting the Stage for Sustainability [00:00]

    • Maria’s Career Journey and Role [02:00]

    • Golf for Good: A Holistic Sustainability Approach [07:00]

    • Green Drive and the Transformation Award [11:50]

    • Tackling Fan and Player Emissions [26:00]

    • Suppliers and Partnerships in Sustainability [33:00]

    Resources & People Mentioned
    • GEO Foundation – Sustainability leader in golf
    • Gold Standard – Carbon offset partner
    • AQ Greentech – Emissions tracking tools
    Connect with Our Guests
    • Maria Milton on LinkedIn
    Connect With Golf Sustainability
    • LinkedIn
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X (Twitter)
    • Email

    Subscribe to Golf Sustainability

    • Apple Podcast
    • Spotify

    Note: Timestamps provided are approximate.

    Thank you for listening to the Golf Sustainability podcast. If you found this episode interesting, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review! For more insights and updates on sustainable energy solutions, visit our website and follow us on social media.

    Audio, Video, and Show Notes by - PODCAST FAST TRACK
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    48 mins
  • National Links Trust New Model for Municipal Golf

    National Links Trust New Model for Municipal Golf
    Nov 12 2024
    How can 150 acres of urban public green space benefit a community beyond recreational access? How can a golf course address stormwater runoff and pollution issues, improve water quality, revitalize habitats, and improve biodiversity? How can it create partnerships and programs with other nonprofits to improve access and inclusion for underrepresented populations (while keeping the game affordable for all)? Andrew Szunyog has dedicated his career to improving the relationship between the game of golf and its surrounding communities. Municipal golf courses are becoming community centers to facilitate a healthy environment and places for people to go. As the Director of Sustainability at National Links Trust, he’s laid out the most comprehensive framework for sustainability at a golf course that I’ve ever heard. His report outlines four buckets addressing emissions and runoffs, resource efficiency, waste management, and community and environmental stewardship. Topics covered: Andrew’s career journey to the Director of Sustainability at National Links Trust [1:39] After graduating from the University of Florida in 2003 with a degree in Business and Sports Management, Andrew got a minimum-wage job at a local course working in outside operations. He quickly learned he wanted to spend his life in golf.Six months later, his dad passed away unexpectedly. His inheritance allowed him to complete a 16-month program at Professional Golfers Career College. He fell in love with running tournaments. He got an internship with the Arnold Palmer Invitational in 2006 and 2007 where he learned volunteer management, spectator management, ticket sales, and more. He completed a research project on “What does Sustainability in Golf Mean?” and what organizations are doing to be responsible for their impact on the environment.He realized there was an intersection between social and environmental justice and wanted to understand how golf fits in that. He wants the tournaments he runs to have some higher purpose that provides value. Together with Alex Baxter and Andre Paul, they created a golf sustainability mastermind group which transformed into a newsletter and blog. They created a platform for the golf industry to tell its sustainability journey. When he learned that The National Links Trust formed, he made himself available for volunteer opportunities. In 2021, he was working with Blue Strike Environmental when National Links Trust reached out to him to lead a sustainability panel for their first annual symposium on municipal golf. Afterward, NLT asked him to become their in-house sustainability professional. The origin, purpose, and mission of the National Links Trust [00:26:19] The National Links Trust is a 501C3 non-profit organization that has a 50-year lease with the National Park Service to manage the three public golf courses in D.C. The goal over the 50-year lease is to renovate all three courses to give them a fresh look, built with sustainability in mind, presenting the historical significance of what the courses mean to the city. They will break ground on Rock Creek Park on November 1st, 2024. They’ve set a two-year timeline for the renovations of each course. Developing a sustainability report for the National Links Trust [00:30:17] Andrew is writing a sustainability report and created frameworks to address the impact of their operations, how they will address root causes, and rebuild with sustainability in mind.Bucket one accounts for emissions and runoffs. It’s looking at water quality monitoring to reduce waste pollution, looking at reducing emissions, and addressing nutrient and pesticide management.Bucket two looks at resource efficiency, covering energy audits, electrifying the infrastructure, lighting audits, upgraded HVAC systems, window tinting, automatic on/off switches, and water efficiency. This also includes retrofitting and upgrading their historical structures. Bucket three is waste management procurement. Their goal is to eliminate single-use practices, ban plastic tees, and work with vendors to make sure products are sent in compostable plastic packaging. They’ll create partnerships to become zero waste. The fourth bucket is geared toward community and environmental stewardship, improving access to the game, and developing partnerships that promote sustainability, climate resilience, and social and environmental justice. They’ll create volunteer programs, community programming, internships, and much more. What’s motivating the reinvention of municipal golf courses [00:44:40] Their mission is to show the value that municipal courses have as community assets. These places are entry points for well over half of people who play golf. If a golf course is viewed as a park, money won’t be set aside for upkeep. But if it’s viewed as an asset, it becomes a sustainable business that can make money. What drives Andrew to make a difference...
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    59 mins

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