Anchorage GC receives environmental award from ASGCA
The 2021 American Society of Golf Course Architects (ASGCA) Environmental Excellence Awards honorees have been named, with Anchorage (Alaska) Golf Course, site of the 2022 U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur, being among those recognized.
Projects from three golf facilities were cited for their work with ASGCA members in addressing unique environmental challenges. The other two courses to be recognized are Crystal Mountain Resort – Betsie Valley Course, Thompsonville, Mich./A. John Harvey, ASGCA; and Sailfish Sands Golf Course, Stuart, Fla./John Sanford, ASGCA.
With Forrest Richardson, ASGCA and Jeff Danner, ASGCA working in tandem in preparing Anchorage Golf Course to host the 2022 U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur Championship, their efforts included a non-traditional construction plan resulting in less carbon emissions. Using local equipment, available supplies and regional labor, the Municipality of Anchorage, in cooperation with their operating lessee, completed a bunker renovation program, turf reduction and drainage plan designed to conform to the Anchorage Climate Action Plan. The combined efforts are resulting in a recharged aquifer, reduced turf footprint and carbon emissions, habitat restoration, and improved drainage.
The Environmental Excellence Awards program was introduced in 2019 to recognize innovative work being done at golf facilities to address their environmental needs. Golf course architects work with course owners, operators and managers to positively impact the game and each facility’s host community.
This year’s submissions were reviewed by a panel of golf industry and environmental leaders, including representatives of GEO Foundation, Golf Course Superintendents Association of America and National Golf Course Owners Association.
“It’s great to see the unique projects recognized through the Environmental Excellence program each year,” ASGCA President Jason Straka said. “I congratulate these facilities and the cooperative efforts from operators and golf course architects to improve the environmental landscape. The long-term prospects for each to remain sustainable and profitable is increased by this work.”
About the ASGCA
Founded in 1946 by Donald Ross, Robert Trent Jones and 12 other leading architects, the American Society of Golf Course Architects is a non-profit organization comprised of experienced golf course designers located throughout North America. Members have completed a rigorous application process that includes the peer review of representative golf courses. For more information about the ASGCA, including a list of current members, visit ASGCA.org or call (262) 786-5960.
