Local organisations underline climate impacts during Genesis Scottish Open

Elite golfers from the DP World Tour and PGA TOUR teamed up with local groups and community members on Tuesday, July 10th, 2024 to take part in a learning experience at the beach in North Berwick.

Presented by the GEO Sustainable Golf Foundation, in collaboration with the Scottish Seabird Centre, North Berwick Golf Club, and East Lothian Council Ranger Service, this unique seaside stroll aimed to bring attention to the existing conditions of our shorelines, seas, and oceans.

The event began at the Scottish Seabird Centre in North Berwick harbor, where community members and children came together to explore their stunning yet delicate shoreline and find ways to help protect it.

Visiting for the Genesis Scottish Open happening on July 11-14 at the nearby Renaissance Club, professional golfers Dan Bradbury from England and Stewart Cink from the USA were excited to participate in the activities at West Bay Sands. They took a break from the tournament to explore and understand the challenges and effects of the coastline.

Even though the coastline looked pristine, the team discovered, collected, and disposed of many bags filled with mostly microplastic waste. The data on this waste will be documented and studied.

Jonathan Smith is the creator and head of the GEO Sustainable Golf Foundation, a non-profit organization located in North Berwick that collaborates with golf courses and tournament partners globally. Smith's team was responsible for planning the informative beach walk event. "Although we had a great time and learned a lot this morning, today's session highlighted the effects of climate change on the coastlines of East Lothian and Scotland as a whole," he stated.

Golf and the environment have a special connection, working together in harmony. The game depends on taking care of the natural resources and local communities where it takes place. This week, the DP World Tour, PGA TOUR, and other involved parties are taking positive steps to promote sustainability. We are pleased to have contributed to raising awareness about how golf can help ensure a responsible future for the sport.

Kyle Cruickshank, in charge of the courses at North Berwick Golf Club, hosted the last part of the informative meeting about the well-known West Links. He focused on how the recent weather has affected the nearby sand dunes and the projects the club is carrying out to address these issues.

In North Berwick, the local dune system has been greatly affected by the recent weather patterns," Cruickshank stated. "We have put in a lot of effort, collaborating with various individuals and groups, to make sure these important coastal features are strengthened and safeguarded."

Our Club's team and the entire community agree that it is crucial to put more emphasis on protecting the natural beauty of the golf courses. By doing so, we can ensure the long-term health of our environment and guarantee that future generations can continue to enjoy the game.

The 'Green Drive' initiative of the DP World Tour has been a leader in promoting sustainability and responsibility in event organization for many years. The 2024 Genesis Scottish Open is following this example and building upon the best practices in this area.

Maria Grandinetti-Milton, who leads the sustainability efforts at the DP World Tour, expressed her excitement about backing the GEO Sustainable Golf Foundation and its collaborators. She emphasized the importance of raising awareness about the effects of climate change on the nearby coastlines during the event.

Golf plays a big role in tourism, business, and overall health in Scotland. We are dedicated to making sure the Genesis Scottish Open keeps making positive strides in engaging the community, creating awareness, and leaving lasting impacts on society and the environment.