Hit the greens: Celebrate Earth Day with these natural beauties

Earth Day is on the calendar just once a year, while golf makes it onto your schedule a lot more than that (we hope). Combining the two is the perfect way to celebrate the great outdoors.

Some of the best golf courses are designed to immerse you in the natural beauty and terrain of the area. It feels like the best of both worlds: the lush, groomed, vast green expanses directly juxtaposed with the natural landforms and flora of the region.

Whether you love the mist of the ocean or the dry heat of the desert, spending a few hours in the intersection of wild and tame is a meaningful way to celebrate Earth Day on the greens.

CHAMBERS BAY- Washington

Named a top public course for 2017-2018 by Golf Digest, Chambers Bay is one of our favorite local courses, too. It offers stunning views of the things we love most here in the Pacific Northwest: Puget Sound, its islands, and the Olympic mountains beyond. This walking-only course gives you ample time to enjoy the fresh sea air. 

SAGUARO COURSE AT WE-KO-PA- Arizona

Designers worked with the natural flow of the land in creating this gorgeous desert course. You’ll be treated to mountain views as you adapt your strategy to the lay of the land.  

Partnering with Audubon International

In addition to the natural and cultivated beauty, hundreds of golf courses have signed on with Audubon International to become certified with the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuaries Program for Golf. 

The program helps courses enhance their natural areas and the surrounding wildlife habitats, run more efficiently, and minimize potentially harmful impacts to the environment. Check here to see if your favorite course is part of the program, and thank them if they are.

Here are a few favorites:

BANDON DUNES- Oregon

Take your pick from five coastal courses, including a 13-hole, par-3 course whose profits support the Wild Rivers Coast Alliance. Created by the owner of Bandon Dunes, the WRCA supports conservation projects to preserve the rugged beauty of Oregon’s South Coast. 

BETHPAGE STATE PARK GOLF COURSE- New York

Bethpage has participated in Audubon’s program since 2002. Next time you’re in the Northeast, head to Long Island to check out one of Bethpage State Park’s five 18-hole regulation courses, including the world-renowned Black Course.

THE BROADMOOR- Colorado

If you’re looking for history or luxury in the mountains, the Broadmoor has it. Try a first-class trip to this tree-lined resort property under the Cheyenne Mountains, and join the century-long list of satisfied golfers. It’s been certified through Audubon for almost 20 years.

Whether Earth Day brings a steady breeze, the hot sun, or even an unexpected drizzle, gear up for the course or your other outdoor adventures at our Pro Shop.