How the GEO Foundation is Driving Sustainable Golf through Initiatives, Resources, and Certification

Jonathan Smith is the founder and Executive Director of the GEO Foundation for Sustainable Golf and one of the foremost authorities on golf sustainability in the world. His foundation focuses on creating a symbiotic relationship with strategic partners to help golf clubs, architects, and individual tournaments reach their sustainability goals. 

The majority of golf facilities need to know how sustainability benefits the business and the steps they can take to unlock those benefits efficiently and effectively. However, there are numerous areas in which someone can start with sustainability efforts, which can be challenging and overwhelming. The GEO Foundation seeks to hone that pathway for its members. 

The more you lean into environmental issues, and the more proactive you are, the more you bring it into contact with your community, the more money you’ll save. You’ll make wiser long-term investments. You’ll generate more access to funding and sponsorships from local businesses. 

Topics covered:

• Jonathan’s career journey and the origin of the GEO Foundation [1:28] 
• The mission of the GEO Foundation for Sustainable Golf [4:04] 
• How to get organizations to take the first step toward sustainability [14:55] 
• The importance of association partnerships and relationships [21:48] 
• How the different regions of the world incorporate sustainability practices [25:13] 
• How regulations drive sustainability in golf regionally [29:53] 
• Democratizing access to the game of golf [32:20]
• The future of sustainable golf [38:29] 
• What drives Jonathan? Who inspires him? [42:44] 

Resources & People Mentioned

• The Sustainable Golf Pledge
• FREE OnCourse® program
• Gordon Shepherd

Connect with Jonathan Smith

• Connect on LinkedIn
• The GEO Foundation

Connect With Golf Sustainability

• LinkedIn 
• Facebook 
• Instagram
• X (Twitter)
• Email

Subscribe to Golf Sustainability

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Note: Timestamps provided are approximate.

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