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

John Failla
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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!

  1. JAN 31

    Scaling Sustainability in Global Golf with Maria Grandinetti Milton and the DP World Tour

    Sustainability in sport is no longer about isolated initiatives or one-off wins. It is about leadership, collaboration, and building systems that others can follow. In this episode of the Golf Sustainability Podcast, John Fahey reconnects with Maria Grandinetti Milton, Director of Sustainability for the DP World Tour, to explore how sustainability programs mature, scale, and begin to influence an entire ecosystem. Maria shares updates on several major initiatives that have taken shape since their last conversation, including the rollout of the DP World Tour Championship Charter, the expansion of the Global Sustainability Awards, and the launch of sustainability forums in Scotland and Ireland. Together, these programs reveal a deliberate strategy focused not just on improving individual events, but on empowering partners, suppliers, federations, and governments to move forward together. The conversation also looks ahead. Maria explains why the DP World Tour became the first professional golf tour to sign the United Nations Sports for Nature initiative, how storytelling around nature can deepen fan engagement, and why the next phase of sustainability leadership is about scaling impact while continuing to learn along the way. Outline of This Episode [00:00] Sustainability as a journey and why leadership requires constant learning [02:00] Maria’s role at the DP World Tour and the evolution of its sustainability strategy [04:00] The Championship Charter and creating a sustainability blueprint for events [10:30] Global Sustainability Awards and recognizing innovation across the supply chain [17:00] Sustainability forums in Scotland and Ireland and the power of collaboration [23:00] Joining the UN Sports for Nature initiative and focusing on biodiversity [27:00] Updating the DP World Tour sustainability strategy and looking ahead Creating a sustainability blueprint through the Championship Charter One of the central updates in this episode is the launch of the DP World Tour Championship Charter. Designed as a practical guide for staging events sustainably, the charter breaks sustainability down into clear, accessible steps across areas like water, waste, transport, and logistics. Rather than overwhelming promoters or operators, it offers entry-level actions, more advanced practices, and examples of best-in-class execution. Maria explains that the charter serves both internal teams and external partners. With more than 40 events across 25 countries, consistency is challenging, but shared principles provide a foundation. The charter creates alignment, lowers barriers to entry, and sets expectations for how sustainability is embedded across global championships. Recognizing leadership through Global Sustainability Awards Recognition plays a powerful role in driving behavior change. Maria shares how the DP World Tour’s Global Sustainability Awards have grown from a regional initiative into a global program spanning Europe, the Middle East, and the rest of the world. The awards highlight excellence across categories such as innovation, technology, catering, venues, and operations. By celebrating suppliers and partners who lead the way, the program creates positive momentum. Winners become case studies, role models, and inspiration for others across the tour’s extensive supplier network. The focus is not just on competition, but on sharing best practices that can be replicated and scaled. Forums that connect golf, government, and communities Another major development is the launch of sustainability forums in Scotland and Ireland. These events bring together national federations, government stakeholders, local golf clubs, and the professional game to discuss shared challenges and solutions. Topics range from climate resilience and biodiversity to community impact and land use. Maria describes these forums as moments of triangulation, where collaboration unlocks progress that no single group could achieve alone. By leveraging the visibility of professional golf, the DP World Tour helps create space for meaningful dialogue and practical problem solving at a regional level. Nature, storytelling, and the next phase of sustainability leadership Looking ahead, Maria explains why joining the United Nations Sports for Nature initiative was a natural next step. Golf is inseparable from the natural environments in which it is played, and protecting those environments is both a responsibility and an opportunity. From peacocks in India to wildlife on Scottish links courses, nature offers powerful stories that can deepen fan connection and inspire future generations. As the DP World Tour updates its sustainability strategy, the focus is shifting toward clearer targets, scalable solutions, and broader alignment across the global tour. The goal is not perfection, but progress, guided by leadership, collaboration, and a willingness to keep learning. Resources & People Mentioned DP World Tour Geo Foundation for Sustainable Golf United Nations Sports for Nature Initiative United Nations Sports for Climate Action Golf Ireland VisitScotland Connect With the Guest Maria Grandinetti Milton Director of Sustainability, DP World Tour Connect With the Podcast Follow the Golf Sustainability Podcast on LinkedIn, Instagram, and X Share this episode with colleagues and peers working to advance sustainability in golf and sport

    34 min

  2. 11/11/2025

    Sustainability in Action: How Wentworth Club Is Shaping Golf’s Greener Future

    Golf courses aren’t just places to play, they’re living ecosystems. And few places demonstrate that better than the Wentworth Club in Surrey, England.   In this on-site minisode of the Golf Sustainability Podcast, John sits down with Daniel Clarke, Courses and Grounds Manager at Wentworth, to explore how one of the world’s most prestigious clubs is redefining what sustainable golf looks like.   For over eight years, Daniel has overseen Wentworth’s three championship courses and new golf academy. During that time, he led an ambitious transformation, one that replaced outdated practices with forward-thinking stewardship of land, water, and wildlife.   From re-establishing heather and reducing managed turf, to deploying autonomous mowers and electric equipment, the Wentworth team is proving that great golf and great environmental performance can go hand in hand. Learn more at GolfSustainability.com 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

    12 min

  3. 05/06/2025

    Driving Sustainability at Cabot Saint Lucia

    Many golf courses pride themselves on their lush landscapes, but few stop to consider the unseen challenges of maintaining them—especially on remote islands. In this episode, we dive into the unexpected realities of water management at one of the world’s most stunning new golf resorts, Cabot St. Lucia. Without easy access to freshwater, maintaining fairways and greens becomes a surprisingly complex and costly endeavor, revealing a hidden problem that many golf operations face without even realizing it. As director of agronomy Damon Di Giorgio explains, water scarcity isn't just a looming environmental issue—it’s a daily operational reality that demands creative solutions. From reverse osmosis desalination systems to microclimate-specific management strategies, Damon and his team must be meticulous with every drop. Listeners will come to appreciate how standard practices elsewhere would spell disaster in a setting like St. Lucia—and why sustainable resource management isn’t a bonus, but a necessity. By the end of the conversation, you'll see how Cabot St. Lucia isn’t just surviving these challenges—they're setting a new standard for eco-conscious, cost-effective golf course management. Through innovative partnerships, on-site nurseries, and precision agronomy practices, the team at Cabot demonstrates that environmental sustainability and financial sustainability can—and must—go hand-in-hand for the future of golf. Topics covered:   (0:00) Damon’s intro and Cabot St. Lucia John Failla introduces Damon Di Giorgio and shares personal experience playing the course Damon shares his background and role at Cabot St. Lucia Overview of Cabot Collection and Point Hardy Golf Club (04:20) Damon’s agronomy leadership Damon explains his “head trash picker-upper” philosophy Three key divisions: beach cleaning, landscaping, and course maintenance Emphasis on supporting and mentoring his team leaders (06:54) Defining sustainability locally Damon frames sustainability as both “the right thing” and “necessity” Explains high cost of desalinated irrigation water Describes Cabot's design prioritizing minimal water use (08:53) Island operations challenges Long, complex supply chains vs. mainland operations Heavy reliance on planning, stocking, and improvisation Specific issues with beach cleaning and sargassum influx (12:22) Big sustainability projects Replanting native plants removed during course construction Two onsite nurseries: landscaping propagation and organic farming Use of saltwater and organic fertilizers to reduce chemical use (20:44) Key partnerships advancing sustainability Entire Cabot Collection enrolled in Audubon’s Platinum Signature Sanctuary program Toro partnership working toward AI-driven moisture management Regular soil testing and precision irrigation practices (27:10) Future vision and tech innovation Focus on microclimate-based management across the course Research collaborations to time pest and weed control naturally Dream of reusing desalination brine for sustainable herbicide solutions Resources & People Mentioned Cabot St. Lucia — https://cabotstlucia.com Audubon International’s Platinum Signature Sanctuary Program — https://www.auduboninternational.org/signature-sanctuary-certification Toro and TurfRad Technologies — https://www.turfnet.com/news.html/toro-and-turfrad-develop-new-moisture-sensor-technology-r1840/ Connect with Damon Di Giorgio   Connect with Damon Di Giorgio 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

    41 min

  4. 04/08/2025

    From Seoul to Scarsdale: The Indoor Golf Revolution

    What if the next big movement in golf wasn’t happening on the course, but in a dark room with a screen and a sensor? In this episode, we explore the future of the game through the lens of indoor golf — a trend that’s already transformed the sport in South Korea and is poised to do the same in North America. Most golfers still think of simulators as a niche tech gimmick or a winter-time alternative. But for millions of new players in Asia, they’re the starting point — and, increasingly, the standard. Sean Pyun, President & CEO of GOLFZON America, joins the show to break down how Korea built an entire golf ecosystem indoors — complete with leagues, tournaments, retail stores, and even its own network of green grass courses. It’s not just about simulation accuracy; it’s about accessibility, inclusivity, and rethinking how and where people engage with the game. If you’ve never considered indoor golf a serious part of the sport’s future, this conversation will change that.  Topics covered: The Indoor Golf Revolution (0:00) The emergence of a full-stack golf ecosystem in Korea (5:42) Why indoor golf isn’t just a novelty — it’s a pipeline (10:56) The American market needs more than a product — it needs localization (15:08) Overcoming simulator skepticism and changing minds (20:52) Turning indoor golf into a competitive league ecosystem (27:33) Bigger purpose: charity, inclusion, and City Golf’s future (36:48) Resources & People Mentioned GOLFZON America – https://www.GOLFZONgolf.com Arnold Palmer Foundation – https://palmerfoundation.org/ TGL (Tech-Infused Golf League) – https://tglgolf.com Connect with Sean Pyun Connect with Sean Pyun 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

    50 min

  5. 03/25/2025

    How Neglected Public Courses Could Shape the Future of Golf

    Most people don’t think twice about the public golf courses in their city—until they start disappearing. Across the country, historic municipal courses have been neglected for decades, leaving behind a patchwork of underfunded, undermaintained spaces that struggle to serve their communities. But there’s a shift happening, and it’s reshaping the future of the game. Will Smith, co-founder of the National Links Trust, has been at the center of that shift. He and his team took on the ambitious task of restoring three historic municipal courses in Washington, D.C., securing a 50-year lease and enlisting some of the best architects in the game. These aren’t just renovations; they’re a rethinking of what public golf can be. With a focus on accessibility, sustainability, and financial viability, the work being done is proving that municipal courses don’t have to be stuck in a cycle of decline. The way forward for public golf isn’t just about fixing tee boxes and bunkers—it’s about creating spaces that truly serve their communities. The changes happening in D.C. offer a roadmap for how cities everywhere can reclaim their public courses and make the game more welcoming for generations to come.  Topics covered: The neglected state of municipal golf and why it matters [00:50]  The National Links Trust and the fight to restore public courses [03:00]  Rethinking what a municipal golf course can be [08:10]  The business model behind municipal golf’s comeback [11:10]  The future of public golf and what’s at stake [16:30]  How municipal golf courses can secure funding for long-term success [20:00]  The national movement to restore and protect municipal golf courses [28:10]   Final thoughts: The lasting impact of municipal golf restoration [36:00]  Resources & People Mentioned National Links Trust – Revitalizing historic municipal golf courses. Troon – Management partner bringing sustainability to public golf. Gil Hanse & Tom Doak – World-class architects restoring D.C.’s muni courses. Doak’s site. Connect with Will Smith Connect with Will Smith 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

    39 min

  6. 03/11/2025

    How Solar and Storage Are Changing Golf Forever with Eleanor Brown

    Golf is at a pivotal moment, where the traditions of the game intersect with the pressing need to care for the environment in which we play. Today, I’m speaking with Eleanor Brown, Director of Sustainability at Southworth Development, whose work is charting a new course for the industry. Her role is not just groundbreaking—it’s essential. As one of the first leaders of sustainability in golf, she’s shaping practices that balance environmental stewardship with the high standards of luxury golf communities. Eleanor’s journey is inspiring, beginning with her background in environmental law and evolving into a role where she applies those principles in a practical, business-focused way. Her work spans everything from introducing renewable energy solutions to eliminating single-use plastics, all while considering the unique challenges and opportunities presented by Southworth’s properties, which range from Cape Cod to the Bahamas. This conversation is about what it takes to turn ideals into action. It’s a look at how golf can honor its connection to nature while adapting to the challenges of a changing world. Whether you’re deeply involved in the sport or just passionate about sustainability, there are lessons here for everyone. Let’s hear how Eleanor is leading by example. Topics covered: Start (0:00) Eleanor’s Background and Journey to Southworth (1:00) Southworth’s Philosophy on Sustainability (6:26) Implementing Sustainability Across Diverse Properties (10:51) Eliminating Single-Use Plastics and Rethinking Waste (13:19) Renewable Energy Initiatives at Southworth (18:16) Linking Environmental and Social Sustainability (24:25) Personal Reflections on Sustainability and Leadership (30:00) Resources & People Mentioned Greenbridge Energy – Renewable energy solutions provider. Nordaq – Swedish water filtration company specializing in eliminating microplastics and pharmaceuticals. Pela Cases – Biodegradable phone covers (mentioned as a personal sustainability inspiration). Connect with Our Guests Eleanor Brown 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

    34 min

  7. 02/25/2025

    Grass, Innovation, and Precision: The Art of Smarter Water Management

    What if the key to the future of golf was hidden in how a course manages its water? For Matteo Serena, Senior Manager of Irrigation Research and Services at the USGA, this question drives his work every day. From native grasses to advanced irrigation systems, Matteo is exploring how courses can use less water without sacrificing playability. With a career spanning research in Italy and the arid Southwest of the United States, Matteo combines a passion for innovation with a deep understanding of turfgrass science. His work with the USGA’s 15-30-45 initiative is transforming how courses think about their most critical resource, offering practical solutions that are already making an impact. Matteo’s journey, from academic research to applying those findings on real courses, is a testament to his commitment to the game. By working with superintendents, researchers, and course managers, he’s helping golf courses thrive while using smarter approaches to resource management. Topics covered: Why Water Use is Central to Golf’s Future (0:00) Matteo’s Journey: From Italy to the USGA (01:56) The USGA Green Section and the 15-30-45 Initiative (7:50) Innovations in Grasses and Irrigation Upgrades (15:40) Technology’s Role in Precision Water Management (24:05) Partnerships and Knowledge Sharing in Golf (31:35) Challenges, Inspiration, and Building a Legacy (36:30) Resources & People Mentioned GCSAA – Supporting golf superintendents with education and resources. TifTuf and Tahoma 31 Cultivars – Drought-resistant grasses for improved water efficiency. Connect with Matteo Serena Matteo Serena 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

    40 min

  8. 02/24/2025

    National Links Trust New Model for Municipal Golf

    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 in golf sustainability [00:50:18]  Andrew strives to ensure that the game of golf continues for future generations, remaining affordable, accessible, and sustainable.  He hopes that future golf professionals can work in an industry that’s sustainable, responsible, and accountable for its actions and operations.  Andrew’s ultimate vision is that when people think of golf, they think of municipal golf. It’s the place that drives community change within the sports world.  Resources & People Mentioned The Greatest Game Ever Played Professional Golfers Career College Connect with Andrew Szunyog National Links Trust Driving the Green Connect on LinkedIn Connect With Golf Sustainability LinkedIn  Facebook  Instagram X (Twitter) 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

    1 hr
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About

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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