Liberty Corner, New Jersey, United States: The United States Golf Association (USGA) has teamed up with Academy Award-nominated actor and United Nations Environment Programme Global Goodwill Ambassador Don Cheadle in an effort to increase the value of public golf to golfers, courses and communities throughout America.

Cheadle, an avid golfer with a passion for the game, recognises that the long-term viability of the sport depends on strengthening the health of public golf, while finding ways for the game to operate in a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly manner.

“Growing up, I used to play public courses with my father, and I have some great memories of those rounds,” said Cheadle, a veteran of dozens of acclaimed movies and TV shows. “I want to make sure that future generations of golfers are able to have access to the same opportunities that I was able to benefit from.”Cheadle will also serve as a US Open Brand ambassador, lending his esteemed voice and stature to showcase what makes the championship truly special.

Fox Sports viewers got a glimpse of the USGA’s relationship with the Oscar-nominated Cheadle with a 15-second US Open tune-in advertisement that ran nationally during Sunday’s broadcast of the NFC Play-off game between the Saints and Vikings on Fox. It will continue with projects throughout the year, including the launch of the new US Open brand campaign at the USGA’s Annual Meeting at the Pinehurst Resort in February.

As a steward for the game, the USGA continues to be a leading champion for golf course sustainability. The Association’s efforts in funding game-changing research and developing innovative technology have measurably reduced golf’s use of water, energy and other resources for over a century – and drive the Association to do more.

These initiatives are particularly important for public golf courses, which comprise more than 75 per cent of all golf courses in the United States and provide affordable, lifetime recreation for golfers everywhere. They also provide numerous environmental benefits to their communities, including green space and habitat for wildlife. Ensuring that these community assets remain viable is not only central to the USGA’s mission but is vital for the future of the game and ultimately, our planet.  

“It’s important to understand the impact that golf courses have on the communities in which they are located,” said Cheadle. “They use natural resources, like water, and are home to many species of wildlife. We need to be mindful about what that means and understand the responsibility of golf courses within the eco-system. I’m very happy to be working with the USGA going forward.”

Mike Davis, CEO of the USGA, said: “We are thrilled to work with someone as passionate about the health of the environment and the state of the game of golf as Don Cheadle. His prominence and support for these important causes make him a perfect fit for a collaboration with the USGA and to serve as a voice for fans of the US Open.”