Arizona, United States: While the world marked April 22 as ‘Earth Day 2025’, Troon International was reinforcing its commitment to sustainability leadership, recognising the crucial role golf can play in responsible resource management, protecting and enhancing nature, and community engagement.

At the forefront of this mission is Brianne Kenny, Manager, Environmental Science at Troon, who believes that with scale comes responsibility and opportunity.

Kenny said: “Considering that we’re the largest golf management company in the world, I think it’s incredibly important to lead by example. We have more resources than others might, and that gives us the ability, and the obligation, to step up and show what’s possible in the golf industry.”

Troon International is the international division of Troon, one of the world’s leading golf management brands, and operates over 60 courses across more than 20 countries.

The company and its facilities are globally renowned for exceptional customer service and impeccable golf course conditions in a vast range of picturesque settings.

Across the Troon International network, the company is integrating sustainability best practices into course and club operations and community partnerships.

From advanced water conservation strategies in arid regions such as the Middle East, Greece, Morocco and Portugal to creative reuse of natural materials, there is action all around the world.

Recent international site visits across the Czech Republic, Greece, Portugal, Spain, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Korea and the United Arab Emirates brought home just how diverse sustainability challenges and solutions can be.

Kenny said: “Travelling to Europe and the Middle East to see our properties there really opened my eyes. Every country has a slightly different approach, but there’s a shared commitment to doing better for the environment. There’s a lot we can learn from each other, and a lot of similarities we might not expect.”

Visiting facilities in the UAE such as Al Zorah Golf & Yacht Club, Costa Navarino in Greece or Salgados Golf Club in Portugal, Kenny observed first-hand how resorts balance premium golf with local environmental stewardship.

“They face water challenges similar to those I am more used to in Phoenix, and they’ve embraced a mindset of resourcefulness. It’s thoughtful, it’s simple, and it works,” she said.

Al Mouj Golf, Costa Navarino, PGA National Oaks Prague and Al Zorah Golf & Yacht Club are among Troon International facilities to have championed sustainability and be GEO Certified, recognising their dedication to nature, conserving resources, adding community value, and taking meaningful climate action.

Highlights include Al Zorah embarking on a mangrove restoration project; Salgados is a haven for migratory birds and majestic flamingos; Dubai Hills Golf Club is focused on implementing energy-efficient practices and Costa Navarino has Europe’s largest olive tree transplantation programme while the Bay Clubhouse is one of the first earth-sheltered clubhouses, blending into the natural environment.

The Grove in England highlighted staff engagement with bio-diversity and sustainability planning across the property, with teams from greenkeeping to clubhouse staff all playing their part.

Each demonstrates how facilities along with members and guests are looking to do more.

Kenny said: “Staff across many places send me photos of animals they spot, ask about native plants, or share invasive species projects they’ve tackled.”

Beyond environmental practices, Kenny also emphasised the opportunity to inspire the next generation.

She said: “I get monthly messages from young people who love golf and care about sustainability. They want to know where the jobs are. That tells me there’s a demand for change – and we need to meet it.

“Golf courses have the potential to be sanctuaries for bio-diversity and hubs of responsible land management. The opportunity for our industry to lead in conservation and community building is enormous.”

*Troon is an Executive Member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation.