Excitement builds for environment awards finalists

8 January 2020 Announcement

Richard Johnstone and the Nairn Dunbar team are up for a Golf Environment Award

With the Golf Environment Awards taking place during BTME week, teams of greenkeepers from all over the UK are holding on with bated breath to see whether their hard work has paid off.

The Golf Environment Awards are one of the most respected events in the greenkeeping calendar as they recognise greenkeeping teams who are acting selflessly in their attempts to improve the ecology of their local area or improve the sustainability of the golf club.

The GEAs is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2020 and past finalists' projects have ranged from the simple to grand scale schemes. Ecology consultants from STRI spent August and September visiting qualifying clubs that applied for the awards before painstakingly whittling them down to 17 finalists and five 'Home Union' finalists - a new category introduced for 2020.

Representatives from the finalists will attend the awards ceremony on 22 January 2020 at the Crown Hotel in Harrogate during BTME wwek.

Head of Ecology at STRI, Bob Taylor, said: "I cannot believe it's 25 years since we first set up the Golf Environment Awards. Moreover, the awards have become the leading accolade for ecological and environmental excellence within the golf industry. Many golf greenekepers tell me the awards represent something they aspire to and provide an opportunity to market the good work they do.

"For me, the awards represent a growing community that all come together at the awards celebrations to discuss works and pass on ideas. Anyone is welcome to attend the awards and one thing is certain, you will leave inspired by the great work clubs are doing."

All finalists receive free entry into the Foundation Award in Amenity Horticulture course, recognised by BASIS and managed by STRI, as well as CPD points. The winners of the GEAs will also be able to enjoy a golf and environment trip to Portugal.

The winners will be announced at the Golf Environment Awards Ceremony on Wednesday 22 January at the Crown Hotel. Tickets for the awards, which include a three-course meal and drinks, are available. Email [email protected]

The Golf Environment Awards 2020 finalists are:

Environmental Golf Course of the Year

Conservation Greenkeeper of the Year