Shanty Creek Resorts, the leading Michigan golf resort, understands that golfers and non-golfers alike are taking a second look at the nature of the game. Golf courses offer numerous opportunities to not only provide pleasant and healthy game, but also to protect drinking water, improve the water quality of our lakes, streams, and rivers, support a variety of plants and wildlife, and protect our environment for future generations. Shanty Creek Resorts realizes that environmental stewardship of the course by both the resort and its players is the key to greener golf courses.
“The pledge is a great way for golfers to celebrate the sport’s venerable tradition of making nature an integral part of the game,” says Kevin Fletcher, executive director, Audubon International. “We want golfers to recognize that quality playing conditions and good stewardship go hand in hand.”
The pledge is a simple way for golfers to support environmental stewardship while playing. From replacing divots to picking up trash, the simple actions golfers can take are good for the game, good for the golf course and good for the environment. The pledge in its entirety is listed below:
“I value the nature of the game and accept my responsibility to ensure that golf courses are managed in harmony with the environment. I pledge to:
• Voice my support for the environment efforts undertaken at my course
• Keep play on the course and stay out of natural areas. I will respect designated environmentally sensitive areas and wildlife habitats on the course
• Take some time to appreciate the increased variety of native plants and wildlife on the course
• When using a cart, follow cart path rules to protect soils and grass
• Repair ball marks and replace divots to keep grass healthy
• Support consistent, true ball roll on greens, rather than speed
• Use trash and recycling receptacles appropriately and encourage others to do the same
• Purchase environmentally-
• Encourage others to learn about the benefits of environmentally responsible management on the course and in their community
• Encourage my golf course to participate in environmental programs, such as those offered by Audubon International”
Golfers can take the free pledge online or they may pick up a pledge sheet at any of Shanty Creek Resorts’ three pro shops. Green golfers are then eligible for golf-related prizes to be given at the end of the 2008 golf season including tickets to the 2009 US Open, autographed merchandise from The PGA of America, complimentary golf at Walt Disney World and complimentary magazine subscriptions from Golf Digest.
To take the pledge, get involved in promoting the pledge or for more information and golfer education resources, visit http://www.golfandenvironment.org/
About Shanty Creek Resorts:
Shanty Creek Resorts, the number one Northern Michigan resort, is a four-season resort offering 72 holes of championship golf, downhill skiing slopes, 21 km of Nordic ski trails, 7 miles of maintained mountain bike and nature trails, snowboarding and tubing parks. Located on 4,500 acres 30 miles northeast of Traverse City, Shanty Creek Resorts stands apart from other Northern Michigan golf resorts with three distinct villages and lodging facilities, award-winning dining, live entertainment and a full-service conference and banquet center. For more information, visit http://www.shantycreek.com/
