Inclusive golf – creating courses for everyone from tee to green
📍 Hartsfield Manor, Surrey, England
📅 19–20 November 2025
REGISTRATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED
Sustainability in golf is more than just protecting the environment – it’s about creating a game that is open to all. A sustainable course is one that is environmentally responsible, socially welcoming, and economically viable, ensuring that golf remains a sport for everyone, now and for generations to come. We hold the power to shape not just landscapes, but experiences – to remove barriers, embrace diversity, and ensure every player, regardless of age, gender, background, or ability, feels they belong. The path forward is clear: it is Inclusive Golf.
This event offers a practical exploration of how inclusivity can be embedded into golf course design and development. Through real-world case studies, you’ll see how a unified strategy of social inclusion, environmental stewardship, and economic viability can transform golf courses into accessible, welcoming, and thriving community assets.
You will discover how to:
- Foster social inclusion by designing courses and programs that break down barriers and welcome players of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds.
- Practice environmental stewardship by implementing resource-efficient and ecologically sound practices that benefit both the course and the surrounding ecosystem.
- Ensure economic viability by creating sustainable business models that make golf more affordable and attractive to a broader audience.
This session will inspire you with fresh thinking and proven approaches to make golf’s future brighter, fairer, and more sustainable – from tee to green.
Speakers
| Speaker | Organisation | Theme | Topic |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gary Johnston | EIGCA President | Welcome and Introduction | |
| Kari Haug | EIGCA Council Member and Chair of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion | Social Inclusion | Primary research into swing speeds and skill levels |
| Tim Lobb | EIGCA Past President | Social Inclusion | Pirkkala Golf Club |
| Tom Bridger | Betchworth Park Golf Club | Social Inclusion | Opening doors to local communities |
| Tony Bennett | EDGA (formerly the European Disabled Golf Association) | Social Inclusion | Thoughtful design to make golf fun and inclusive |
| Sharon Eales | Royal Birkdale Golf Club | Social Inclusion | Royal Birkdale – leading by example |
| Fiona Womack | SEFA Consulting | Social Inclusion | Playability analysis for slow swing speed players |
| Michael Howard | EIGCA Candidate for Membership | Social Inclusion | Members to Majors: Designing Royal Birkdale for all levels of play |
| Crystal Fricker | Pure Seed (Silver Partner) | Environmental Stewardship | Selecting sustainable turfgrass for different climates |
| Giles Wardle | IrriPlan (Affiliate) | Environmental Stewardship | Sustainable water management: Challenges and opportunities for the golf industry |
| Tyler Annan | GEO Foundation (Patron) | Environmental Stewardship | |
| Nick Brown | Campey Turf Care Systems (Bronze Partner) | Economic Viability | Machinery choices |
| Graham Humphries | MJ Abbott (Bronze Partner) | Economic Viability | Construction methods and materials that lower long-term maintenance costs |
To keep the event engaging and interactive, places are limited to 40 delegates, with four tee times (4-ball) at Reigate Heath from 13:30pm on 20th November. Details on how to register have been emailed to EIGCA Members, Partners and Patrons. If you believe you are eligible to attend, and have not received the registration details, contact Lindsey (lindsey@eigca.org) or Alison (alison@eigca.org).
We look forward to welcoming you to Hartsfield Manor in November for an inspiring and impactful Learning Live.