The green game: investigating golf management practices

Abstract

Worldwide, golf is the largest sports-related travel market segment showing tremendous economic growth. Unfortunately, tourism and the so-called ‘green game’ contribute to environmental damage. Golf tourism is a rapidly expanding special interest activity linked to tourism. With a degraded physical environment, a destination may be in danger of losing its original appeal, which may force ‘nature-based’ tourists to move on to other destinations. The private sector, governments and the environment will benefit from responsible and sustainable practices including the management of golf courses. This will ensure that destinations continue to attract tourists for future generations. Therefore, green golf tourism is the only logical option placing the responsibility on golf course management to take a second look at the nature of this game. The study focused on the effects that golf course management might have on the environment and the adaptation methods implemented to reduce environmental damage. The management of George Golf Club and Pinnacle Point, located along the Garden Route, one of South Africa’s prime attractions were included in the study. Results indicated that management did not specifically monitor the impact of the golf course on the environment and did not educate golf tourists about environmental friendly practices on golf courses. Little was also done to motivate golf tourists to demand environmental friendly golf courses.