How can the golf industry address social media criticism and tackle misinformation?
Syngenta's social listening report, Golf & Social Media: Sustainability, revealed the extent of criticism levelled at golf courses from being wasteful with water to being perceived as bad for the environment.
It also highlighted the need for golf courses to "speak up" for their sustainability credentials.
In the latest episode of the Growing Golf podcast, we are joined by Gina Rizzi, President of Radius Sports Group, a sustainability consulting firm based in Reno, Nevada. Gina advises golf courses, organizations and governing bodies on how to manage their environmental, social, and economic impacts. She has also played a key role in developing numerous Best Management Practices (BMPs) guides across various states in the US, providing golf course superintendents with essential templates for environmental stewardship.
Speaking with host Gary Firkins, Gina addresses the industry's response to growing criticism online about golf's environmental impact and the practical steps golf courses can take to be more sustainable.
Recorded live at the GCSAA Conference in Phoenix, the discussion begins with the hot topic of water usage in Arizona.
We also discuss:
- The role superintendents have to play in environmental stewardship and educating the wider public
- The real value of golf courses - to their environment, society and local economy
- Gina's background in Michigan, where she developed a deep appreciation for the environment that continues to fuel her passion for sustainability in golf today.
Useful links
Radius Sports Group: https://www.radiussportsgroup.com/
GCSAA Best Management Practices (BMPs): https://www.gcsaa.org/environment/bmp-planning-guide/best-management-practices
Follow our guest
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ginarizzi/
Twitter / X: https://x.com/GDRizzi
Connect with us:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/syngenta-turf-landscape
Twitter / X: https://x.com/syngentagolf
If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts and share it with your friends in the golf community. Don’t forget to subscribe to Growing Golf for more inspiring stories and industry insights!
