Al Hamra Golf Club in Ras Al Khaimah, the leading golf club in the Northern Emirates, has announced that it has become the first golf club in the entire Middle East region to go fully plastic-free.
The golf course development owned by Al Hamra, Ras Al Khaimah’s premier developer, and managed by Troon International, has eliminated all single-use plastic items from its premises, underlining its commitment to environmental sustainability.
Joining the global movement to reduce the consumption of single-use plastics and conserve the environment, Al Hamra Golf Club has partnered with the UAE-based ‘No More Bottles’ and eliminated all plastic bottles in addition to introducing high-quality water filtration solutions across the premises.
Mark Chapleski, President of Troon International said: “As plastic waste and pollution increases, we should all be making a conscious effort to do our part. Al Hamra Golf Club has started a new sustainable initiative by being the first golf club to go plastic-free in the Middle East region. Many Troon facilities throughout the world have begun to reduce plastic waste, however the commitment by Al Hamra Golf Club is the most extensive in the International portfolio to date. We commend the leadership at Al Hamra for supporting this environmentally positive initiative.”
Featuring a par-72, 18-hole championship golf course, Al Hamra Golf Club has replaced all plastic water bottles with branded glass alternatives for members and guests to use. These glass bottles will be cleaned, sterilised and refilled with the help of advanced environmentally friendly filtration units. As part of greener and more sustainable introductions, the golf club has also eliminated the use of plastic across its operations including single-use plastic straws, stirrers and take away containers.
This follows the recent lead by the R&A who removed single-use plastic bottles at the 2019 Open Championship.
Christopher Hewett, Vice President-Hospitality and Leisure, Al Hamra Group, said: “At Al Hamra, we are committed to preserving the environment and promoting environmental best practices. The decision by Al Hamra Golf Club to eliminate single-use plastic, thereby becoming the first golf club in the region to do so, serves as a role model on how positive sustainability initiatives can be integrated. The move is even more laudable as it underlines the commitment of the club to conserve its ecosystem, given its location by the Arabian Gulf and the Al Hamra Lagoon. The decision makes Al Hamra Golf Club a true pioneer in championing environmental sustainability.”
Benoy Kurien, Group Chief Executive Officer of Al Hamra Group, added “This new sustainable initiative is in line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qassimi, Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, who has urged to protect the natural beauty and environment of the Emirate. This is the first phase of our plastic-free initiative which will soon extend to our hotels, food and beverage outlets and marina.”
Carol Fraser, Managing Director of No More Bottles said: “No More Bottles are delighted to announce our partnership with Al Hamra Golf Club as they work to achieve their sustainability goals. It is always great to see another organisation supporting a cause so close to our own. We are working towards reducing plastic bottles by distributing high-quality filtration systems across the UAE and we are proud that Al Hamra Golf Club has joined us in our efforts.”
The implementation of the new initiative extends throughout the golf club’s food and beverage outlets and guests of the club will be provided with the option of unlimited filtered water in glass bottles at a nominal cost.
ENDS
About Troon
Headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz., Troon is the world’s largest golf management company providing services at more than 465 locations around the globe, including managing 510 18-hole equivalent golf courses. In addition to golf, Troon specializes in homeowner association management, private residence clubs, estate management and associated hospitality venues. Troon’s award-winning food and beverage division operates and manages more than 400 food and beverage operations located at golf resorts, private clubs, daily fee golf courses and recreational facilities. With properties located in 45 states and 33 countries, Troon’s family of brands includes Troon Golf, Troon Privé, Troon International, Honours Golf, OB Sports, Green Golf Partners, CADDIEMASTER, True Club Solutions, Cliff Drysdale Tennis and RealFood Consulting. There are currently 67 Troon-affiliated properties featuring 87 golf courses on national and international “Top 100” rankings. Troon-affiliated properties include Belfair in Bluffton, South Carolina; Wickenburg Ranch Golf & Social Club in Wickenburg, Ariz.; Yocha Dehe Golf Club in Brooks, Calif.; Saadiyat Beach Golf Club in Abu Dhabi, UAE; and Buenaventura Golf Club in Panama. For additional news and information, visit www.Troon.com, or connect with Troon on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Blog, Press Room, or subscribe to Troon Magazine
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