The University of Georgia Golf Course has achieved designation as a "Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary" through the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses. Scott Griffith, the course’s director of agronomy, completed the effort to obtain sanctuary designation on the property. The course is now one of over 900 courses in the world to hold certification from Audubon International.

"University of Georgia Golf Course has shown a strong commitment to its environmental program. They are to be commended for their efforts to provide a sanctuary for wildlife on the golf course property," said Christine Kane, CEO at Audubon International.

"To reach certification, a course must demonstrate that they are maintaining a high degree of environmental quality in a number of areas," said Kane. These categories include Environmental Planning, Wildlife & Habitat Management, Outreach and Education, Chemical Use Reduction and Safety, Water Conservation and Water Quality Management. The course’s accomplishments include:

Expanding native vegetation.
Removing invasive plant species.
Providing quality wildlife habitat.
Conducting water quality testing.

“This certification through Audubon International, and the stringent requirements for certification, serve as a recognition of the environmental efforts that have been made over the years to elevate the UGA Golf Course to the highest standards of environmental quality,” Griffith. “I am proud of the efforts that we have made and will continue to make throughout the years to position the UGA Golf Course as a leader in environmental sustainability.”

The Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses, endorsed by the United States Golf Association, provides information and guidance to help golf courses preserve and enhance wildlife habitat and protect natural resources. Golf courses from the United States, Africa, Australia, Canada, Central America, Europe, New Zealand and Southeast Asia have achieved certification in the program.

Operated by the UGA Division of Auxiliary Services, the UGA Golf Course’s 18-hole Robert Trent Jones layout is regarded as one of the best collegiate courses in Georgia and the country. The facility is open to the public and hosts numerous competitions throughout the year. For information, visit golfcourse.uga.edu.