Renaissance Golf Club Experts on a Study Visit to Hirsala Golf – Sustainability and Course Maintenance at the Heart of Discussions
From left to right; Janne Lehto MG, Bianca Mignon Pronk, Caitlin Gracey ja Jamie Aitken
On Thursday, May 8, Hirsala Golf welcomed distinguished guests from Scotland as Jamie Aitken, Course Manager of Renaissance Golf Club, and Caitlin Gracey, Sustainability Coordinator, arrived for a study visit to explore Hirsala's pioneering practices in course maintenance and sustainability. Hosting the visit were Janne Lehto MG, Course Manager of Hirsala, and Bianca Mignon Pronk, Environmental Specialist, who presented the club’s operational models and innovations.
Hirsala Golf – A Pioneer in Sustainability
Hirsala Golf is well-known for its strong commitment to sustainable development and environmentally friendly practices. It was the first course in Finland to achieve GEO certification, and has since renewed it four times.
Hirsala has developed and implemented numerous groundbreaking solutions, particularly in the following four key areas:
• Resource Management: Optimizing the use of water, energy, and nutrients.
• Robotics: Utilizing autonomous machinery to improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact.
• Biodiversity: Preserving and actively promoting natural diversity on the course.
• Community Engagement and Research: Promoting participatory environmental actions and scientific collaboration to further responsible golf course management on a broader scale.
Hirsala Golf stands out as a forerunner in sustainable golf course maintenance and is internationally recognized as a model in modern golf course management practices.
Renaissance Golf Club – A World-Class Course in Scotland
Renaissance Golf Club, located in North Berwick, Scotland, is renowned for its top-quality course and role as a host for major golf tournaments. The club has served as the home of the Genesis Scottish Open since 2019 and is part of the DP World Tour’s Rolex Series, the most prestigious events on the European Tour. Renaissance Golf Club combines modern course management with a traditional landscape and world-class playing experience – a combination that makes it a highly respected destination worldwide.
The club is now expanding its focus on sustainability and, earlier this year, appointed Caitlin Gracey to a newly established role as Sustainability Coordinator. Her mission is to advance and develop comprehensive sustainability work across the entire course operation.
Course maintenance finalizing the playing surfaces for the Scottish Open.
Building the Future Through Collaboration and Knowledge Exchange
During the visit, the experts engaged in extensive discussions on best practices in course maintenance, environmental responsibility, and the future challenges of maintaining golf courses. A shared objective emerged clearly: to develop sustainable and efficient solutions that benefit both players and the environment.
Such international collaborations and knowledge exchanges are essential to the ongoing development of the golf industry and the promotion of sustainability. The dialogue between Hirsala Golf and Renaissance Golf Club demonstrates how global cooperation can lead to new innovations and improvements in industry practices. The visit reinforced both clubs’ commitment to sustainability and offered valuable insights into future development directions.