What am I actually committing to when I sign the Sustainable Golf Pledge?

Signing the Pledge is a simple way to show golfers, staff and your wider community what your facility stands for. It shows your commitment to environmental and social responsibility and connects you with other facilities working to protect nature, conserve resources and support their communities.

There is no requirement to complete a particular project or achieve certification.

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Where, if anywhere, could additional costs come into the process?

OnCourse and the Highlights tool are free for NGCOA Canada and CGSA members, with optional paid tools and certification available further along the pathway.

Sustainable Golf Scorecards turn your annual data into meaningful graphs, tables and even a carbon footprint, and are available for 350 CAD per year. GEO Certification is 675 CAD without Scorecards, or facilities can bundle certification with one year of Scorecards for 900 CAD, with additional bundle options available for further savings.

Certification also requires third-party verification, which has a separate fee and associated travel expenses.

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If our facility is already doing a lot when it comes to sustainability, what does participating in the Sustainable Golf Pathway add?

It helps you get more business value and recognition from the good work you are already doing. The Pathway helps you build on those achievements and make them more visible.

OnCourse brings your efforts together in one place, while annual scorecards help you spot opportunities to save water, energy and money. Communication materials help you show progress and celebrate your team’s efforts, while GEO Certified adds independent recognition to your achievements.

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How much time and staff capacity does the Sustainable Golf Pathway realistically require?

Most facilities fit participation into their existing operations. Often, one person leads on course management and another on the clubhouse and business side. Some involve a sustainability committee or dedicated staff member, but creating a new role is certainly not necessary.

Some facilities have completed their initial OnCourse submission in as little as one week, while others work through it gradually at a pace that suits their team.

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Is the Sustainable Golf Pathway realistic for small, rural or resource-limited golf facilities?

Absolutely. Small, rural and resource-limited facilities have just as much reason to get involved, whether their priority is saving money, caring for their surroundings or gaining recognition for the contribution they make locally.

OnCourse is tailored to the activities that apply to your facility. These facilities have very different budgets, infrastructure, teams and ambitions, but each has something worth celebrating. The independent verifier considers these differences and what you can realistically control when identifying further improvements.

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Does participating mean our facility will be expected to stop using pesticides, fertilizers or other products we currently rely on?

No. The focus is on using products responsibly and efficiently, reducing unnecessary use and limiting their environmental impact while maintaining a healthy course and delivering a great golfing experience.

Needs and circumstances will differ, and the assessment reflects that. OnCourse and the independent verification process help identify practical improvements that suit your facility, use resources more efficiently and reduce costs.

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