Local organisations underline climate impacts during Genesis Scottish Open

Professional golfers from the DP World Tour and PGA TOUR joined forces with local organisations and residents on Tuesday 10 July, 2024 to participate in an educational beach walk in North Berwick.

Delivered by the locally based but globally connected GEO Sustainable Golf Foundation, in partnership with the Scottish Seabird Centre, North Berwick Golf Club and East Lothian Council Ranger Service, the special beach walk focused on highlighting the current state of our coastlines, seas and oceans.

Starting out from the Scottish Seabird Centre at North Berwick harbour, the event brought together local children and families to learn more about their beautiful-if-fragile, ever-changing coastline, and how to get involved in conserving it.

In town for the Genesis Scottish Open — scheduled for July 11-14 at the nearby Renaissance Club — tour players Dan Bradbury of England and Stewart Cink of the United States of America enthusiastically joined the activities on West Bay Sands, taking time out from the Genesis Scottish Open to learn more about the pressures and impacts at play along the coastline.

Despite the pristine appearance of said coastline, the team found, gathered and removed numerous bags of predominantly microplastic waste, details of which will be tracked and analysed.

Jonathan Smith is founder and executive director of the non-profit GEO Sustainable Golf Foundation, which is based in North Berwick but works with golf courses and tournament partners around the world. It was Smith’s team who organised the educational beach walk: “As much fun and learning as we’ve had this morning, this session today has helped to shine a spotlight on the current state and impact of climate change on the coastline here in East Lothian, and indeed across Scotland,” he said.

“Golf’s relationship with the environment is unique and symbiotic, and indeed the game relies on the responsible stewardship of the natural resources and communities in which the game is played. There are a number of positive actions being taken throughout this week by the DP World Tour, PGA TOUR and other stakeholders associated with the event, and we’ve been delighted to play our small part in raising awareness of the role golf can play in securing a responsible future for the game.”

Kyle Cruickshank, course manager of North Berwick Golf Club, who hosted the conclusion of the educational session on the famed West Links, highlighted the impact of recent weather on the local dune system and the work being undertaken by the club.

“Recent weather patterns have significantly impacted the local dune system here in North Berwick,” Cruickshank explained. “We’ve undertaken extensive work, working with several stakeholders, to stabilise and protect these vital coastal features.

“It’s important, not only to our committed team at the Club, but to the whole community, that greater efforts are made to preserving the natural landscapes which golf enjoys, ensuring both the sustainability of our environment and the continued enjoyment of the game for many generations to come.”

The DP World Tour’s ‘Green Drive’ initiative has, for several years, stood at the forefront of driving new ideas and innovation in sustainable and responsible event delivery. The 2024 Genesis Scottish Open continues to build on this best practice.

Maria Grandinetti-Milton, Head of Sustainability at the DP World Tour, said: “We’re delighted to support the GEO Sustainable Golf Foundation, and their partners, in highlighting the impact of climate change on the coastlines local to the event.

“Golf contributes significantly to tourism, business and general wellbeing in Scotland, and we’re committed to ensuring that the Genesis Scottish Open continues to play its part in making progressive steps which elevate community engagement, raise awareness and deliver social and environmental legacies.”