From pristine fairways to eco-friendly practices, Tucson’s Starr Pass Golf Club is green in every sense of the word.

Starr Pass Tucson Golf Club courses are even greener than visitors might think. The resort golf course recently renewed their Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Certification through the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses. Originally certified for two years in 2008 for demonstrating a high degree of environmental quality, Starr Pass Tucson Golf Club was recently re-certified for two more years.

Part of the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary System, a nationwide network of conservation partnerships, the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses helps courses to enhance wildlife habitats and protect natural resources. To achieve certification, golf courses must demonstrate that they are practicing environmental management practices in the areas of: Environmental planning, Wildlife and habitat management, Chemical use reduction and safety, Water conservation, Water quality management, and Outreach and education

With Tucson Mountain Park as its backdrop, Starr Pass has always been aware and respectful of the natural surroundings that make the course and resort a true desert beauty. According to Golf Director Todd Howard, the resort is careful to incorporate green practices that help to preserve that natural environment.

Starr Pass Tucson Golf Club uses natural elements as course hazards and carefully conserves water. Only reclaimed water, not ground water, is used for course irrigation. In addition, the golf club only overseeds fairways and tees, not roughs, reducing the amount of fertilizer used. All fertilizers used are environmentally safe.

Accustomed to desert wildlife – such as an abundance of deer – the course is careful not to intrude upon designated natural wildlife habitats. Birds nests are not disturbed, and pruning and car traffic are limited in select natural areas.

In an effort to demonstrate green practices to golfers and resort visitors, the Starr Pass Tucson Golf Club features desert course pictures in their Santa Fe-style golf clubhouse, illustrating the natural beauty and importance of continued environmental efforts. They also provide further information on their website reaching out to a global audience about the importance of green practices.

To Learn More

JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort and Spa, www.jwmarriottstarrpass.com