Golf course properties are some of the most beautiful places on Earth. This description is used loosely for other topics or sometimes spoken for dramatic emphasis. The evidence, however, does show that many 18-hole rounds are truly played on some of the globe's best real estate. Pebble Beach, Bali, Kapalua, the Gokarna Forest in Nepal, and Lake Tahoe are among the most picturesque locations and possess breathtaking views.

One can even find a couple of local clubs with photo opportunities; fairways lined with majestic pines, spotted with freshwater ponds, and babbling brooks that satisfy the ear as well as the eye. And, one local club is just now completing steps to become re-certified as a Certified Audubon International Cooperative Sanctuary. It is a commendable effort to provide a quality product to its patrons and respect the environment in which we live.

It is a good reminder for those who play the game to appreciate the architecture and manicured landscapes of golf courses around the world. As most golfers enjoy words like honor and integrity, it is reasonable to assume that our respect of each other must include a responsibility for our environment.

According to Audubon International, the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses (ACSP) is “an award winning education and certification program that helps golf courses protect our environment and preserve the natural heritage of the game of golf. By helping people enhance the valuable natural areas and wildlife habitats that golf courses provide, improve efficiency, and minimize potentially harmful impacts of golf operations, the ACSP serves as vital resource for golf courses.”

Now, some have said that a golf course is not good for the environment. Perhaps the land is no longer in its original state or a certain amount of inorganic material is used to maintain playing conditions. However, as aforementioned, golf courses are aesthetically pleasing, they also provide a type of open space, host myriads of living species (some, in fact, are havens for endangered or protected species), and are an enjoyable place of recreation.

Numerous advances have been made in materials used to maintain golf properties and a best practice for many golf course superintendents (the person in charge of maintaining the golf course itself and surrounding areas) is to encourage growth of desired plants in order to reduce the amount of plants without value (aka, weeds). Grass types are continually being bred to require less water and reduce sensitivity to temperature extremes.

The goal of protecting our golf course and reducing waste has also woven its way into the Pro Shop and Clubhouse. During this re-certification process, the superintendent at Alta Sierra Country Club, Sean O'Brien, considered improvements or new procedures that could enhance recycling efforts beyond the course itself.

This led to a round table discussion with the golf professionals and restaurant managers about practical steps that could lead to sustainable conservation or recycling practices in the kitchen or clubhouse maintenance.

As with many things, folks can politicize any issue, but please do not misunderstand, this column does not lean left or right. Golf is apolitical. Its players are here for the recreation, the competition, and the camaraderie. In order to sustain these objectives such as, conservation, waste reduction, and recycling should be considered when managing golf course maintenance.

So, we thank golf course superintendents like Sean O'Brien. Not only do these often unsung leaders take great care of their golf course, they also go to great lengths in protecting some of the most beautiful places on Earth.

John Renslow is general manager and director of golf at Alta Sierra Country Club. Please contact John with your questions or comments at jrenslow@pga.com.