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

The Path seeks to change kids’ lives while introducing them to the game of golf. So is it a community center or a golf course? It’s both! It was launched on the premise that every child deserves the chance to succeed in life and you can hear the motivating story from Dave Andrews, the Director of The Path at The Park West Palm Beach.
The Path has become the perfect blend of Dave’s passion and purpose, giving kids hope and inspiration. The goal was to take a kid who may not be on a good path and change their trajectory.
Listen to learn more about this awe-inspiring community program—including how to inspire community involvement or launch your own program.
Highlighted Topics Covered
Vision for The Park West Palm project (03:31 - 08:19)
Development of the The Path and its key programs (08:20 - 18:35)
Getting local schools to participate in the program (23:44 - 29:30)
Resources
The Park West Palm
The Path
Connect with Guest, Dave Andrews
LinkedIn
Connect with Host, John Failla
LinkedIn
John@GolfSustainability.com
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General Guidelines
When possible, find creative ways to include golf sustainability in your episode title
Be consistent about how you refer to guests: First name after being introduced by full name once
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Aiming to reflect the diverse demographics of America in both participants and workforce of the golf industry is Sandy Cross, the Chief People Officer at the PGA of America. Sandy and host John explore groundbreaking programs like PGA Works, aimed at diversifying the golf industry workforce, and initiatives such as Make Golf Your Career and Make Golf Your Business, fostering diversity in career opportunities and supply chains.
Sandy also shares personal insights, including the transformative power of golf, her inspiration from her parents, and the challenges and triumphs of relocating the PGA of America during the pandemic.
Highlighted Topics Covered
Framework for diversity and inclusion at PGA of America (04:01 - 07:00)
PGA’s internal diversity and inclusion programs (07:01 - 10:00)
Industry-wide initiatives and programs (10:01 - 15:00) 
Resources 
PGA of America
Make Golf Your Thing
First Tee
Connect with Guest, Sandy Cross
LinkedIn
Connect with PGA of America
PGA of America
Connect with Host, John Failla
LinkedIn
John@GolfSustainability.com
Connect with Golf Sustainability
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Here to explain how it’s possible to create an environmentally conscious golfing experience while enhancing safety and making the golf course more sustainable is Tom Coyne, Author and Owner of Sullivan County Golf Club, a 180-acre, nine-hole course in the Catskills.
Tom takes us through his significant course renovation including sodding the entire course using a mix of grass strains reflective of its century-long history. His commitment to responsible land management, combined with the use of organic inputs from partners like Toro and AquaTrols, sets the stage for low-impact golfing.
The episode is not just about revitalizing a golf course; it's about creating a haven where golfers, families, and food enthusiasts converge to enjoy a unique blend of history, natural beauty, and exceptional experiences.
Highlighted Topics Covered
Differences in golf sustainability views between the U.S. and Europe  (03:00 - 08:00)
Challenges faced by Sullivan County Golf Club and the importance of sustainability in maintaining golf courses (08:00 - 15:00)
Impact of Toro and AquaTrols in making the golf course more sustainable (15:00 - 26:00)
Resources
Sullivan County Golf Club
A Course Called Ireland
A Course Called Scotland
A Course Called America
Piccolo Paese
Connect with Guests, Tom Coyne
Linkedin
Connect with Host, John Failla
LinkedIn
John@GolfSustainability.com
Connect with Golf Sustainability on Social Media
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Calling attention to the evolution of golf sustainability over the past 40 years is Frank LaVardera, the Director of Environmental Programs for Golf at Audubon International. Frank expresses a desire to be remembered as someone who cared deeply about the environment and fostered a user-friendly and collaborative approach in the golf industry.
During the interview, Frank delves into the intricacies of Audubon International’s Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program (ACSP), Signature Program, and Platinum Program, all designed to foster environmental sustainability in golf courses, emphasizing the importance of the Natural Resource Management Plan. He calls upon real-world examples of courses committed to sustainability and shares inspiring stories about environmental stewards like Jim Pavonetti.
Highlighted Topics Covered
Overview of the ACSP, its six certification components, and a specific example of Saco Country Club's journey in implementing environmental practices (00:00 - 14:00)
Discussion on the Signature Program, its 11 certification components, and an example of Cabot Revelstoke (14:00 - 26:00)
Introduction of the Platinum Program (26:00 - 30:00), which combines certification for golf courses, clubhouses, and lodging facilities under one umbrella
Audubon International's conservation initiatives (30:00 - 32:00) 
Resources
Audubon International
Water IQ
The Cornell Turf School Program
Cabot RevelStroke
Connect with Guest, Frank LaVardera
LinkedIn
Connect with Audubon International
Audubon International 
Connect with Host, John Failla
LinkedIn
John@GolfSustainability.com
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Opportunities for more golf sustainability are presented by Kevin Sunderman, the Chief Operating Officer of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA). Kevin chats with host John about the journey to a greener, more sustainable future for the golf industry.
From his early days as a golf enthusiast in rural Ohio to his current influential role, Kevin's story is nothing short of inspiring. Join us as we delve into his passion for making a meaningful impact and sparking change in the golf community.
Topics Covered
Kevin’s transition from being a golf course superintendent to COO at GCSAA and an overview of GCSAA's mission (00:00 - 08:00)
GCSAA’s Golf Course Environmental Profile Study, its goals, research-driven initiatives, and the Best Management Practices (BMP) program (08:00)
Benefits of Best Management Practices (BMPs) (31:00)
Importance of partnerships in the golf industry to promote environmental initiatives (35:00) 
Resources
Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA)
GCSAA Golf Course Environmental Profile
GCSAA Best Management Practices 
Connect with Guest, Kevin Sunderman
LinkedIn
Connect with GCSAA 
Golf Course Superintendents Association of America
Connect with Host, John Failla
LinkedIn
John@GolfSustainability.com
Connect with Golf Sustainability on Social Media
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Exploring the world of off-course golf and its profound impact on the golf industry is Greg Nathan, the President and Chief Executive Officer of the National Golf Foundation (NGF). Greg explains the various facets of off-course golf, encompassing driving ranges, the exhilarating world of golf entertainment exemplified by Topgolf, and the cutting-edge realm of simulator golf. 
Greg presents data on the remarkable growth of off-course golf participation and underscores the pivotal role of off-course golf in making golf more accessible and enjoyable, particularly for newcomers and casual players. He accentuates the pressing need for traditional golf courses to evolve, embracing a more welcoming and inclusive approach that breaks down the barriers preventing newcomers from transitioning to on-course golf.
Highlighted Topics Covered
Trends in off-course golf participation (00:00 - 18:00)
Impact of off-course experience on green grass golf (27:00 - 30:00)
Historical importance of the National Golf Foundation's role in the world of golf (41:00 - 42:00)
Resources
National Golf Foundation (NGF)
Fortnight - NGF Newsletter
Topgolf
Connect with Guest, Greg Nathan
LinkedIn
Connect with The National Golf Foundation 
National Golf Foundation
Connect with Host, John Failla
LinkedIn
John@GolfSustainability.com
Connect with Golf Sustainability on Social Media
LinkedIn 
Facebook 
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X (Twitter)
Subscribe to Golf Sustainability
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Thank you for listening to Golf Sustainability. If you found this episode interesting, don't forget to subscribe and leave a review!