Abstract

Globally there are around 34,000 golf facilities including very many small golf clubs that collectively generate significant economic, social and environmental impacts. Thus, small golf clubs have an important role to play in the greening of golf in support of sustainability. Environmental programmes (EPs) were developed to improve the environmental performance of all types and sizes of golf facilities. However, EPs are rarely employed in small golf clubs and no research until now has explored the reasons for this. Data from an in-depth mixed methods case study found several internal and external influences on the level of implementation of EPs in small golf clubs. Interventions are suggested to stimulate the uptake of EPs in smaller golf clubs. The study is of value to the golf sector, government policy and organisations concerned with the greening of small businesses in the greening of an industry sector for sustainability. The study also provides a conceptual/empirical framework for further studies in this under-researched yet noteworthy field.

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