Just in time for Earth Day on April 22nd, the Saadiyat Beach Golf Club golf course has received certification in Environmental Planning from the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses (ACSP), an international program administered by Audubon International designed to help landowners preserve and enhance the environmental quality of their property. The plan was developed by Marcus Hartup, Director of Agronomy, who is also recognized for his effort to plan for environmental stewardship.
The Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses provides an advisory service to help existing golf courses develop effective conservation and wildlife enhancement programs. This worldwide effort is coordinated by Audubon International and is sponsored in part by the United States Golf Association.
"The open space of a golf course is utilized not only by golfers, but is habitat for a variety of wildlife species," explained Jim Sluiter, Staff Ecologist for Audubon International. "We welcome Saadiyat Beach Golf Club’s commitment to the environment and to managing the golf course with wildlife in mind."
By joining and participating in the ACSP, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club will be involved in projects that enhance habitat for wildlife and preserve natural resources for the benefit of the local community. These projects may include: placing nesting boxes for cavity-nesting birds such as bluebirds and swallows, utilizing integrated pest management techniques, conserving water, and maintaining food and cover for wildlife.
"The Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program benefits both people and wildlife," said Sluiter. "It's a great way for the managers of developed properties and environmental organizations to work together to become better stewards of land and natural resources."
After the environmental plan is approved, properties in the program may apply for certification in Wildlife and Habitat Management, Chemical Use Reduction and Safety, Water Conservation, Water Quality Management, and Outreach and Education by demonstrating that they have met minimum requirements for each category.
Audubon International is an environmental organization dedicated to educating, assisting, and inspiring millions of people from all walks of life to protect and sustain the land, water, wildlife, and natural resources around them. In addition to businesses, Audubon International also provides programs for golf courses, schools, communities, and new developments.
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About Saadiyat Beach Golf Club
Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, with its Gary Player designed course, is one of the world’s most uniquely captivating golfing projects. As the Arabian Gulf’s first and only ocean course, it features several beach-front holes, in a course that weaves in and out of nine soon to open five-star hotels lining the beach. About one-third of the course commands spectacular views of the Gulf’s glittering, crystal waters fringed by pristine white sands.
The imaginative golf course routing provides a spectacular variety of golf experiences, with every hole having its own unique character. From the creation of an aquatic habitat, to the introduction of salt-water lagoons and restoration of the beach and sand dunes, the course has been designed with strict environmentally guidelines and sensitivity to the surrounding natural environment.
As the social and recreational heart of Saadiyat Beach District, the club provides world-class amenities such as the golf academy, practice facilities and an iconic clubhouse with breathtaking views of the immaculate white sandy beach - all to create an "unparalleled" golf experience.
Saadiyat Beach Golf Club is developed by Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC), an independent company of which Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) is the sole shareholder.
Saadiyat Beach Golf Club is managed by Troon Golf, the world’s largest golf management company which oversees operations at properties located in 26 countries worldwide. Troon Golf managed courses include Abu Dhabi Golf Club, UAE; The Grove, London, and, Turnberry Resort, Scotland.
For further information please contact:
Lil Strika
Director of Marketing, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club
+971 50 445 6958,
lstrika@TroonGolf.com Priyam Bhargava
Account Executive, MCS/Action
+971 50 542 8715,
priyam.b@actionprgroup.com