The results of the 16th John Collier Annual Survey on Environmental Compliance and Good Governance of South African Golf Courses have been announced.
The John Collier Survey’s data, received from golf clubs throughout South Africa, is combined with desktop research and interviews with people knowledgeable about golf courses throughout the region, and then analysed, following which we publish the John Collier Annual Survey in March each year.
Post publication, we then re-visit the data to ascertain which golf club has submitted the most comprehensive report.
With a 42% response rate from golf clubs, and a 30.3% national compliance level, there are always clubs that stand out as being exceptional.
As expected, there were several very strong contenders, however, we take this opportunity to congratulate, Blair Atholl Golf and Equestrian Estate on winning the Top Club Award in the John Collier Good Governance and Environmental Compliance Survey Report Review for 2022-2023.
The work being done at Blair Atholl Golf and Equestrian Estate, is truly impressive, and it is fitting that on World Environment Day the club should be appropriately recognised.
World Environment Day is celebrated annually on 5 June, with key objectives being to increase awareness about the environment, enhance political attention and encourage public action, and since inception in 1974, it has grown to become a global platform for public outreach that is celebrated in more than 100 countries.
Most importantly, World Environment Day is the “people’s day” for doing something to take care of the Earth.
The “something” can have a local, national or global focus, and it can be a solo action or involve a crowd – everyone is free to choose.
What Blair Atholl did so well, in responding with such a comprehensive survey questionnaire, was that it emphasised not only the physical, tangible aspects of good governance and environmental compliance, but also its ethos of environmental stewardship of the land, water, river, fauna and flora.
This manifested itself in the response, as the responsible use and protection of the natural environment, through conservation and sustainable practices, by conserving natural resources, combating pollution and protecting biodiversity.
Furthermore, Blair Atholl demonstrated a determined and consistent effort, not only to protect and manage areas and the environment in general within its boundaries, but also in protecting the beautiful natural landscape, around the estate.
Blair Atholl’s commitment to its environmental stewardship role sets a benchmark that many clubs in South Africa should want to emulate.
Notwithstanding Blair Athol’s award, special mention must also be made of the Elements Private Reserve, and their efforts towards environmental sustainability.
Winning a Top Club Award is only achieved with the support of committed and passionate people, who wholly embrace the benefits of good governance and environmental compliance.
Therefore, special congratulations must go to the Blair Atholl’s governing body, members and residents, the general manager Steve van Greunen, golf director Paul Marks, and golf course superintendent Jan-Hendrik Duvenage, and their respective teams.
Previous winners of this award include;
| TOP CLUB AWARD | WINNING CLUB | SPECIAL MENTION AWARDS | |
| 2007-08 | Benoni Country Club | Devonvale Golf Estate | |
| 2008-09 | Rand Park Golf Club | Stellenbosch Golf Club | |
| 2009-10 | Leopard Creek G E | East London Golf Club | |
| 2010-11 | Kyalami Golf Club | Woodhill and State Mines Golf Clubs; | |
| 2011-12 | Leopard Creek G E | Victoria CC and Gowrie Farm Golf Clubs | |
| 2012-13 | Metropolitan Golf Club | Leopard Creek and Royal Durban Golf Clubs. | |
| 2013-14 | Pretoria Country Club | Ebotse Golf Estate | |
| 2014-15 | Paarl Golf Club | Zebula Golf Estate | |
| 2015-16 | Umhlali Country Club | Woodhill and Paarl Golf Clubs | |
| 2016-17 | Bryanston Country Club | Prince’s Grant Golf Estate and Umhlali CC | |
| 2017-18 | Kingswood Golf Club | Waterkloof Golf Club and Champagne Sports | |
| 2018-19 | Umhlali Country Club | Gary Player CC and Lost City Golf Course | |
| 2019-20 | St Francis Links Club | Eagle Canyon Golf Club | |
| 2020-21 | Sabi River Sun Golf Club | Umhlali CC and George Golf Club
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| 2021-22 | Blair Atholl Golf Estate | Elements Private Reserve
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