Marriott Golf Courses to Become Audubon Wildlife Sanctuaries

March 2008. Marriott Golf has announced new standards requiring 34 of the company's managed golf courses at 25 locations throughout North America and the Caribbean to become Certified Audubon (Audubon is the US equivalent of the UK’s RSPB) Cooperative Sanctuaries by the end of the year.

Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuaries, which enable golf facilities to protect the environment by enhancing natural areas and wildlife habitats, are part of a commitment by Marriott International, Inc. to promote environmental stewardship wherever possible.

World Championship Held On a Sanctuary
The Doral Golf Resort & Spa in Miami became the first Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary in North America to host a World Golf Championships event when the 2008 WGC-CA Championship opened there on March 20th.

‘Marriott Golf is proud to be part of the company's broader green initiatives by supporting Audubon Certification, golf's environmental gold standard,’ said Robert Waller, senior director of grounds, Marriott Golf.

Audubon Certificates
In order to achieve Audubon Certification, a golf facility is required to demonstrate that it is maintaining the highest degree of environmental quality in several areas including environmental planning, wildlife and habitat management, outreach and education, chemical use reduction and safety, water conservation, and water quality management.

‘We are elated with the level of commitment Marriott is showing by mandating Audubon Certification across their portfolio of golf courses,’ said Kevin Fletcher, executive director of Audubon International.