Driving Sustainability in Australian Golf: Turning Good Intentions into Measurable Action

Golf is one of Australia’s most-loved sports. It’s played on stunning landscapes that rely on healthy ecosystems, water management, and community stewardship. As the game continues to grow, so too does the opportunity for the golf industry to lead on sustainability and environmental responsibility.

Leading the way: Golf Australia and the GC2030 Roadmap

Golf Australia, a member of Sports Environment Alliance (SEA), is championing this shift through its Golf Course 2030 Australia roadmap - a comprehensive plan that helps clubs and facilities respond to climate risks, manage resources efficiently, and embed sustainable practices across the sport.

The roadmap highlights the role of golf in tackling issues such as changing rainfall patterns, heat extremes, biodiversity loss and responsible consumption. It’s an encouraging signal of the sport’s intent to protect the very environments that make the game possible.

Circular thinking on (and off) the course

Another innovative example of environmental leadership comes from Golf Ball Recycling Pty Ltd (GBR), Australia’s first and largest end-to-end golf-ball recycling service.

Every year, millions of golf balls are lost or discarded, many ending up in waterways or landfill. GBR is changing that story. Through its collection bins placed at clubs and driving ranges, the company retrieves, sorts, and repurposes used and damaged golf balls. The materials are given a second life in applications such as landscaping aggregate, drainage systems and pathways — keeping waste out of landfill and demonstrating how circular economy principles can work in sport.

Where to next?

While progress is building, there’s still plenty of potential for the wider golf community to step up. Clubs, manufacturers and suppliers across the country can play a part by:

✅ Expanding recycling programmes and waste recovery initiatives.
✅ Choosing and promoting sustainable equipment and apparel.
✅ Investing in environmental education for staff and members.
✅ Showing visible environmental leadership within their communities.

SEA CEO Adam Cheyne says sport has the power to influence positive change at scale.

“Golf touches communities across the country and manages some of the most beautiful natural environments in Australian sport. That’s a huge opportunity to lead by example and prove that playing sustainably and competitively can go hand in hand.”

No Planet. No Play.

At SEA, we believe collaboration is key to lasting impact. The example set by Golf Australia and Golf Ball Recycling shows that practical, measurable sustainability is within reach and, that golf can be a driver of innovation, not just recreation.

Let’s turn good intentions into action, and make Australian golf a leader in environmental responsibility.

Read more about Golf Circularity 2030 below.