Did you know that the carbon footprint of a single golf ball is approximately 0.79kg of CO₂ emissions?
To put that into perspective, if CO₂ were visible, 0.79kg would equate to 6,080 regular-sized golf balls.
Considering the average golfer loses 3 to 4 balls per round, that’s roughly 3.16kg of CO₂ emissions per game, per person, from golf balls alone.
Circular Economy – You Might Already Be Part of It
Even if the term “circular economy” is unfamiliar to you, there’s a good chance you’re already participating without realising. Simple actions like buying second-hand items, composting, or using reusable shopping bags all contribute to circularity — keeping resources in use for as long as possible, reducing waste, and lessening environmental impact.
Golf Ball Recycling (GBR) is focused on applying these principles to golf. GBR is Australia’s first and largest waste management provider for end-of-life golf balls, endorsed by PGA Australia, Golf Australia, and the Australian Golf Industry Council.
What Does Golf’s Circular Economy Look Like?
A circular economy in golf revolves around reusing, recycling, and repurposing resources wherever possible. A key example is golf ball recycling:
- Unwanted golf balls are collected, shredded into aggregate, and repurposed into products like pathways, bridges, or acoustic materials.
- Reusable balls are cleaned and redirected to junior golf programs. This not only keeps thousands of balls out of landfill but also extends their lifecycle and reduces the demand for manufacturing new ones.
GBR Innovations in Action
Since launching in 2021, GBR has continued to lead by example, turning waste into valuable resources through collaboration and innovation. Some recent initiatives include:
- Incorporating golf ball aggregate in pathways at Melbourne Golf Park.
- Developing the Envirokerb Stormwater Pollution Prevention Inlet (ESPPI).
- Creating golf bridges suitable for carts, bicycles, and pedestrian use.
- Manufacturing acoustic products from recycled materials.
Royal Adelaide is now part of the Solution
Sustainability in golf starts with awareness and participation. By supporting initiatives like golf ball recycling, and making conscious choices on and off the course, Royal Adelaide Golf Club members can help set the standard for environmental responsibility in sport. At the end of the breezeway you will see a white bin where you can deposit your unwanted golf balls. These will be collected by GBR and put towards the programs mentioned above.
Together, we can work towards a cleaner, greener future — ensuring the game we love thrives for generations to come.
