The R&A Releases New Report Highlighting Golf’s Role in Urban Biodiversity

For Immediate Release

A new report commissioned by The R&A, the international governing body for golf, highlights the vital role golf courses play as ecological sanctuaries across Australia and New Zealand.

Co-authored by Monina Gilbey (Green Gecko Studios), Golf Course 2030: Biodiversity Benefits of Golf in Australia and New Zealand details how golf courses are actively conserving indigenous flora and fauna, protecting endangered species, and adopting sustainable agronomy practices. Aligned with The R&A’s Golf Course 2030 initiative, the report focuses on four key pillars: climate resilience, sustainable agronomy, biodiversity, and resource efficiency.

One of the exciting features of the report is the power of cross-sector collaboration—highlighting innovative partnerships between golf clubs, scientific organisations, charitable trusts, and First Nations peoples. A standout example featured in the report is Glenelg Golf Club, which partnered with the Nature Glenelg Trust and Green Adelaide, a natural resource management board, to help bring the Olive perchlet (a tiny, nationally-threatened native fish) back from local extinction.

The key findings and case studies from the report will be featured nationally throughout the upcoming R&A National Sustainable Golf Roadshow, hosted in partnership with Golf Management Australia and the Australian Sports Turf Managers Association.

“Golf courses represent unique green spaces in our urban landscapes and are one of the last sanctuaries for flora and fauna” says co-author Monina Gilbey. “This report demonstrates how strategic environmental design and ecological stewardship can transform golf courses into thriving habitats for native birds, insects, and flora, while maintaining world-class playability.”

Members of the horticultural and environmental media are encouraged to explore the report for case studies on native habitat restoration and turf management.

Access the report & roadshow details