Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: TPC Kuala Lumpur has been recognised as the first and only fully certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary for Golf in Malaysia.
The Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Programme for Golf Courses, endorsed by the United States Golf Association, provides information and guidance to help golf courses preserve and enhance wildlife habitat and protect natural resources.
Golf courses from the United States, Africa, Australia, Canada, Central America, Europe, New Zealand and Southeast Asia have achieved certification in the programme.
“TPC Kuala Lumpur has shown a strong commitment to its environmental programme. They are to be commended for their efforts to provide a sanctuary for wildlife on the golf course property,” said Christine Kane, Chief Executive Officer at Audubon International.
“To reach certification, a course must demonstrate that they are maintaining a high degree of environmental quality in a number of areas,” added Kane. These categories include: Environmental Planning, Wildlife and Habitat Management, Outreach and Education, Chemical Use Reduction and Safety, Water Conservation and Water Quality Management.
“We are committed to establishing TPC Kuala Lumpur as an environmentally-friendly club as we want to leave behind a rich legacy for future generations to inherit. We will continue to progressively promote eco-friendly initiatives at the club and set a benchmark for the hospitality and leisure industry in Malaysia,” said Steven Thielke, Chief Executive Officer of TPC Kuala Lumpur, a Golf Course Facility Member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation.
In 2017, TPC Kuala Lumpur launched a ‘Let’s Go Plastic Free’ campaign at the club’s Golfer’s Terrace and replaced plastic with paper products in the form of takeaway bags, straws, food containers and cups. Since July 1, 2019, usage of plastic bags at the club’s changing rooms were discontinued and the club advocated the use of reusable golf or gym bags. To further reduce the usage of plastics at TPC Kuala Lumpur, water dispensers will be provided to replace single-use plastic water bottles.
During the month of Ramadan, the club participates in the #ZerofoodWastage campaign by donating surplus food to Kechara Soup Kitchen, a local non-profit organisation that distributes food to the homeless. Also, TPC Kuala Lumpur is an avid supporter of the Earth Hour global movement.
TPC Kuala Lumpur is the only club in the world that has hosted the European Tour, PGA Tour and LPGA Tour all within the same year, from 2013 to 2015. It is also the only Tournament Players Club (TPC) in Southeast Asia.