The R&A Sustainable Agronomy Service, a department dedicated to providing agronomy expertise and leadership to more than 350 courses worldwide, and the Spanish Association of Golf Courses (AECG) has announced a collaboration. Their work together is aimed at bringing the Sustainable Agronomy Service closer to AECG member clubs. Through the implementation of advanced agronomic techniques, this initiative seeks to elevate course quality standards and playing quality while optimising costs within a sustainable framework.
Powered by The R&A’s experience supporting 28 world-class championships annually, including The Open and the AIG Women’s Open, this service will integrate proven agronomic methodologies tailored to Spain’s environmental context.
Paul Woodham, Head of Sustainable Agronomy — Europe at The R&A, commented: “This partnership reinforces our commitment to sustainability in golf. Together with AECG, we aim to promote knowledge sharing and champion best practice in management across Spanish golf courses. The R&A agronomists are working closely with golf clubs to implement research outcomes of The R&A Golf Course 2030 (GC2030) initiative to promote sustainability within the Spanish golf industry and promote a pathway to excellence in agronomic and course management.”
Luis Cornejo, R&A Agronomist for Southern Europe added: “Delivering optimal playing conditions is a major challenge in our climate, as we operate in a complex environment with climatic variability, resource availability, restrictions and productivity demands. Our service aims to transfer the most advanced agronomic knowledge and expertise from major tournament preparations to our clients, enabling each club to maximise its course’s potential within its own capabilities.”
Carlos Pitarch, Vice-President of AECG, added: “We are proud to collaborate with The R&A and we look forward to their support in agronomy and research which will benefit our members. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to responsible, sustainable golf course practices in Spain. This collaboration leverages The R&A Sustainable Agronomy Service’s expertise in golf course maintenance planning, championship agronomy, benchmarking and operational sustainability reviews, paired with AECG’s regional knowledge and membership reach to maximise impact.”
