CJ Corporation’s commitments to the environment and communities on show at Golf Magazine World Top 100 venue
The host venue of the CJ Cup, the largest PGA Tour event in Asia and part of the FedEx series, has today received further international recognition – this time for their proactive work in sustainability.
The club has achieved the widely endorsed and accredited GEO Certified® label for commitment and action in fostering nature, conserving resources and supporting the community.
Head of Golf Operations for CJ Corporation Chris Ahn said: “We are delighted to be able to announce this prestigious international recognition for Nine Bridges. We see our environmental and social responsibility in golf being a direct extension of the CJ Corporation values and principles, and also very closely linked with our position as a World Golf Top 100 venue.”
Jonathan Smith, Executive Director at GEO Foundation added: “This award is a great example of the ever closer link between sustainability and quality. Consumers of all types are placing increasing value on products and services that respect and add value to the local environment and communities. We are excited about working further with the club and other partners to further promote these important messages.
The Nine Bridges certification follows in the footsteps of Haesley Nine Bridges on the South Korean mainland, which was first GEO Certified in 2015 and again in 2018. Both sites have been audited by independent verifier, YS Baek – an experienced environmental consultant based in Seoul.
The presentation of the GEO Certified award was part of a suite of activities at the CJ Cup to advance understanding and action on key topics relevant to the future of golf. At the second edition of the Nine Bridges Forum, speakers from around the golfing world explored topics ranging from accessibility, image, golf design and development, sustainability and rankings.
Building on a Sustainability Appraisal carried out by GEO Foundation for last year’s tournament, there were a number of sustainability initiatives on show around the CJ Cup, including a dedication to local suppliers and contractors; caterers who use local and organic ingredients and avoid single use plastics; new spectator recycling points; and the use of water bottles made from bioplastic produced by the CJ Corporation.
About GEO Foundation
GEO Foundation is the international not-for-profit dedicated to advancing sustainability in and through golf. Its goal is to work collaboratively to help the sport embrace environmental and social issues and become widely acclaimed for its role in fostering nature, conserving resources and building healthy communities. GEO assures the OnCourse® programmes for grassroots golf facilities, new developments and tournaments, each of which can lead to the internationally accredited, endorsed and independently verified GEO Certified® label.
