TROON INTERNATIONAL CELEBRATES WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY 2025
In celebration of World Environment Day on June 5, Troon International is proud to highlight sustainability initiatives across its managed facilities around the world. This year’s theme, #BeatPlasticPollution, hosted by the Republic of Korea, calls for global solutions to reduce single-use plastics and promote a cleaner, greener planet.
Golf facilities throughout the Troon International portfolio have embraced innovative strategies to combat plastic waste, showcasing how sport can lead the way in environmental stewardship.
Troon International is the international division of Troon, one of the world’s leading golf management brands, and operates over 60 courses across more than 20 countries, integrating sustainability best practices into course and club operations and community partnerships. Examples of positive action can be found all around the world.
Al Hamra Golf Club in the UAE became the first golf club in the Middle East to go completely plastic-free. By eliminating plastic water bottles and straws across its facilities, the club set a precedent for sustainability in one of the world’s most arid regions.
The Els Club Dubai has also introduced refill water stations across its facilities, encouraging members and guests to carry reusable bottles.
All three Emaar Golf Clubs — Montgomerie Golf Club Dubai, Dubai Hills Golf Club, and Arabian Ranches Golf Club — have successfully removed single-use plastics from their operations.
In Europe, Las Colinas Golf & Country Club in Spain has replaced plastic water bottles with biodegradable Tetra Pak cartons, eliminating over 50,000 plastic bottles annually. Additionally, plastic tees have been banned, and compostable cups are now standard at hydration stations.
The Grove in the UK has removed all single-use plastics from its food and beverage outlets, utilising compostable and reusable vessels. The club is also implementing a zero-waste-to-landfill strategy as part of its broader sustainability goals.
PGA National Czech Republic has taken a significant step by eliminating plastic bottles in favour of cartons as part of its larger initiative to reduce single-use plastics and promote sustainability best practices.
For many facilities, these are just part of the wider sustainability drive. Al Mouj Golf in Oman has been re-certified under both GEO Sustainable Golf Foundation and Audubon standards, a testament to its deep commitment to environmental stewardship and habitat conservation.
Al Zorah Golf & Yacht Club in the UAE supports biodiversity through regular mangrove planting activities, helping to regenerate local marine ecosystems.
The renowned Costa Navarino in Greece has participated in Europe’s largest olive tree replantation programme, preserving cultural heritage while enhancing biodiversity.
Velaa Private Island in the Maldives runs a Coral Restoration Programme, revitalising local reefs and promoting marine life sustainability.
Brianne Kenny, Manager, Environmental Science at Troon, said: "On World Environment Day, we celebrate the tangible impact that our clubs are making across continents with a shared commitment to doing better for the environment. By tackling plastic pollution head-on and protecting local ecosystems, Troon International facilities are setting new heights for sustainability in golf."
World Environment Day is the biggest international day for the environment. Led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and held annually since 1973, it has grown to be the largest global platform for environmental outreach. It is celebrated by millions of people across the world.
The Republic of Korea are hosts of World Environment Day 2025 with a focus on ending plastic pollution globally. Ridding the planet of plastic pollution is an important contribution to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, including those on climate action, sustainable production and consumption, protection of seas and oceans and repairing ecosystems and retaining biodiversity.