Our patrons
Greenlinks
Greenlinks, The R&A’s programme for sustainable Championships, has been leading innovation and action in sustainability at The Open since 2016.
Through Greenlinks, The Open is on a journey to embrace low carbon technology, innovate for a circular economy, champion social value and promote nature.
Discover some of the highlights of Greenlinks at The 151st Open.
Renewable Electricity
Since 2021 The Open has been powered by solar panels and sustainably sourced biofuel derived from waste product.
Battery storage, smart energy management and energy efficient equipment all play a role in reducing energy consumption at The Open.
The Open Water Initiative
The Open Water Initiative, in partnership with Mastercard and the Priceless Planet Coalition provides free water refill stations on-site.
The initiative has helped avoid the use of nearly 400,000 plastic bottles since 2019 and planted more than 65,000 trees through the Priceless Planet Coalition’s reforestation work.
Sustainable Catering
At The 151st Open carbon labeling will be found on The Open Table menus allowing fans to make informed choices about their meals carbon footprint.
Sustainably sourced, local catering is championed and all tea and coffee served is Fairtrade certified.
After The Open surplus food will be redistributed locally.
Low Carbon Transport
Mercedes EQ electric cars form a key part of the courtesy car fleet.
Public travel is promoted with local train services more than doubled for Championship week and hybrid buses running to and from the Park and Rides.
Free secure bicycle parking is also provided for staff, volunteers and spectators.
Moving Towards Circularly
Continually striving use more sustainable materials and designing for reuse and recycling.
By working with contractors and local and national charities, items such as wood, nails and some carpet will be given a new home after The Open and banners will be upcycled into backpacks for next years volunteers.
Zero waste to landfill is once again being targeted.
Protecting Nature
Working with expert ecologists The Open site is mapped to protect sensitive habitats and reduce disruption to wildlife.
Training is provided to everyone on site to raise awareness of environmental impacts and local wildlife and flow of spectators carefully organised to minimise disturbance.
Certified Courses
All Open venues are Certified by GEO Foundation for Sustainable Golf in recognition of their ongoing commitment to climate action, resource conservation, nature protection and community value throughout their operations.
Find out more about Royal Liverpool’s Sustainability highlights here.
Sustainable Championship Agronomy
The R&A’s Sustainable Championship Agronomy Team work with all Open venue courses.
Sustainable agronomy works with nature to create a bioclimate that sustains and enhances local plant and wildlife species. Find out more here.
Working in Partnership
Sustainability is a team effort, everyone plays a part. Working with patrons, official suppliers, contractors, venues, volunteers and community The Open continues to innovate and advance. More is being done every year.
We’re playing our part in a more sustainable future, you can play yours too. While your planning your visit and enjoying The Open please:
• Travel by public transport or car share. Free bicycle parking is also available.
• Bring and refill your own reusable water bottle at the free water stations, or buy one on site.
• Use the recycling bins found across the course.
• Keep to official walkways and crossing points to protect sensitive habitats.
• Enjoy sustainably sourced, lower carbon food and drink.
• Visit our Greenlinks Volunteers at The Sustainable Golf Hub to discover more about how The Open is playing a part in a more sustainable future, and pledge to play your part too.
Discover more about The R&A’s commitment to sustainable golf here.