How the PGA Tour is Leading the Charge in Sustainable Golf

Why wouldn’t the PGA Tour help lead the charge in golf sustainability? I’m joined by Brazos Barber, the Director of Sustainability for the PGA Tour for his insights in sustainable golf and the PGA Tour. As golf faces growing environmental challenges, Brazos shares his personal journey with me: leading sustainability efforts within one of the world’s largest sporting organizations. 

His work has quietly but powerfully transformed sustainability initiatives at both PGA Tour events and TPC (Tournament Players Club) golf courses across the country.

We talk a lot about exactly how the PGA Tour is taking meaningful strides toward environmental responsibility, with the WM Phoenix Open serving as the gold standard for zero-waste events. 

Brazos shares the bigger goal of integrating sustainability into the DNA of all PGA Tour operations while highlighting the tour’s approach to climate action, nature promotion, and sustainable partnerships. 

From water conservation to reducing tournament emissions, this episode offers a detailed look at the work happening behind the scenes that could help reshape the future of golf. 

Topics covered:

• Opening and Introduction to Sustainability at the PGA Tour [00:00] 
• Brazos Barber’s Career Journey from sports management to sustainability [01:28] 
• The PGA Tour’s Sustainability Philosophy [04:23] 
• Sustainability at TPC Courses and Establishing Baselines [07:31]
• Sustainable Golf Practices at PGA Tour Events [14:09]
• The Importance of Partnerships in Sustainability [18:48] 
• Challenges of Tournament Attendee Travel and Emissions [23:09] 

Resources & People Mentioned

• WM Phoenix Open
• GEO Foundation for Sustainable Golf
• Audubon International
• Ryan Holiday: Author of The Obstacle is the Way and The Daily Stoic

Connect with Brazos Barber

• PGA TOUR Sustainability
• Connect with Brazos Barber

Connect With Golf Sustainability

• LinkedIn 
• Facebook 
• Instagram
• X (Twitter)

Subscribe to Golf Sustainability

• Apple Podcast 
• Spotify 

Note: Timestamps provided are approximate.

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