PGA National Resort & Spa’s Champion Course Honored by IAGTO

(PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla.) – PGA National Resort & Spa – South Florida’s world-class golf, getaway and meetings destination – announces its famed Champion Course has been GEO Certified®, golf’s internationally accredited and widely supported eco-label from the Golf Environment Organization.

PGA National was subsequently awarded the 2016 “Sustainable Golf Course of the Year Award” for the Americas region by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO). This solidifies PGA National’s exceptional commitment to the three pillars of sustainable golf: nature, resources and people. The legendary resort has long focused on sustainability throughout its extensive resort and golf complex of more than 800 acres through the following practices:

• 100% of the site’s green waste is recycled and returned to the facility as mulch for fertilizer and soil amendments
• Energy efficient drives installed on irrigation pumps saving $18,000 per year in electricity costs
• Course policy of firm, fast playing conditions achieved with close attention to mowing height, minimal turf inputs and watering – less than 50% irrigation volume to U.S. average
• Turfgrass switched to newer cultivar of lower input, lower irrigation Bermuda grass
• Regular, frequent water testing in collaboration with the local environmental district, which show that the golf courses play an important role in improving water quality
• Free electric vehicle charging stations for guests and members as part of national grid for travelers
• Wide variety of involvement in local community – from hosting charity tournaments and events, to donating, and active participation by staff and members

PGA National Resort & Spa also is the first U.S. hotel property to be certified to the international ANSI accredited “APEX/ASTM Environmentally Sustainable Meetings and Events” venue and accommodations standard. This rigorous standard has quantitative requirements in energy, water, waste, recycling, purchasing, stakeholder engagement and community involvement.“We are very proud to have achieved certification in these international standards, which were verified by iCompli, a third-party auditing firm. As the host venue of the prestigious Honda Classic, we take our responsibility in showing positive leadership to the industry, golfers and fans seriously. We all have a part to play in driving forward sustainability in our sport and our lives,” says Kathy McGuire, Dedicated Sustainable Development Manager and LEED® Green Associate for PGA National.McGuire works closely with all departments throughout the property and each area is held accountable by strict guidelines to insure adherence to the standards.The celebrated Champion Course, home of PGA TOUR’s Honda Classic, is located alongside 12,000 acres of nationally-important wetland. PGA National recognizes the important role it plays maintaining this living landscape, along with its responsibilities to reduce its use of resources and enhance the benefits it brings to its members, guests and local community.For more information on PGA National Resort & Spa: www.pgaresort.com, 866.723.6962.