Golf is still a growing industry in Iceland - making it a bright
star in the hard hit economy. Its importnace was
recognised when the President of Iceland, Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson,
opened the recent Federation of European Golf Greenkeepers Association
(FEGGA) Conference, held in Reykjavik from 24 - 27
February.
President Grimsson highlighted the importance of golf and nature
working together, with the environment particularly high on the
agenda in Iceland. He also spoke about the recent agreement with
the Icelandic Golf Association, where all 65 golf courses have
signed up to the first stage of the Golf Environment Organisation
(GEO) certification. This is a first for golf and underlines the
commitment to environmental golf course management in Iceland, he
said.
Some 10% of the population in Iceland are now playing golf
on a regular basis, with up to half of them playing some five times
per week, reported President Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson.
Edwin Roald, Golf Course Architect and Journalist commented:
"The number of affiliated golfers in Iceland is still growing,
despite the economic downturn that has had a significant effect on
the disposable income and purchasing power. This makes Iceland one
of relatively few exceptions to the rule that participation in golf
is generally decreasing.
"Although some of the factors for Iceland's growth are unique to
the country's location, terrain and climate, there are still
several key lessons in the Icelandic example that others can learn
from," he added.
The Conference, supported by Syngenta, was attended by over
twenty Greenkeeper Associations and some forty organisations coming
from over twenty countries around the world.
FEGGA Executive Officer, Dean Cleaver, added the organisation
continues to strive for high standards and delivering on topics
that can help greenkeepers and the collective industry. "I believe
that we raised the bar a little more with this event. It has
provided some excellent tools and data that can be used by all
associations and industry partners in facing the challenges and
furthering the development of greenkeeping, both nationally and
globally."
For more information on environmental management on the
golf course, and a chance to sign up for free environmental
training from STRI, visit the website, www.operationpollinator.com/golf
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