(ST. AUGUSTINE, FL) – St. Johns Golf & Country Club – owned by The St. Joe Company and managed by Billy Casper Golf – has been designated a “Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary” for its high standards protecting the environment and preserving the natural heritage of golf.
St. Johns – according to conservation group Audubon International – is one of only five courses in the Jacksonville-area to achieve certification, joining the elite TPC Sawgrass, Amelia Island Plantation and The Palencia Club along with fellow BCG-managed layout, Bent Creek Golf Course.
In attaining certification from Audubon International, St. Johns’ 18-hole layout successfully maintains sound environmental practices in six key areas: environmental planning, wildlife and habitat management, outreach and education, chemical use reduction, water conservation, and water quality management.
“Through our work with Audubon International, our maintenance staff acutely understands the ecological impact of the course on our surroundings,” says Michael Stevens, Superintendent at St. Johns. “We’re providing golfers with healthier playing experiences while preserving wildlife habitats for future generations.”
“The steadfast commitment to create and maintain a sound environmental program by the leadership and agronomic teams at St. Johns is exceptional,” says Peter Hill, Chairman and CEO of BCG. “We’re proud of the many Billy Casper Golf courses which achieve this prestigious ‘Sanctuary’ status.”
More than 90 percent of BCGs 111 courses are enrolled in the Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary program.
Following the Audubon International-approved steps for an environmentally-friendly golf course reduces waste and promotes efficient operations. An effective program results in a reduction of maintenance costs, including insurance premiums, energy, water, pesticides, fertilizer, equipment wear and labor.
St. Johns, the Clyde Johnston-designed course located just north of St. Augustine, is a gem that attracts golfers from across the southeasternUnited States. Carved out of a pine forest, the course offers a great test for every skill level. From the championship tees, the course is a decidedly robust par-72 playing 7,236 yards with occasionally arduous wind patterns.
For more information about St. Johns or to reserve a tee time: www.stjohnsgolf.com or 904.940.3200.
About JOE
The St. Joe Company (NYSE: JOE), a publicly held company based in Jacksonville, is one of Florida’s largest real estate development companies. We are primarily engaged in real estate development and sales, with significant interests in timber.
More information about JOE is at www.joe.com.
About Billy Casper Golf
Widely respected as a high-performance, full-service owner/operator of golf courses, BCG manages properties in 24 states and outside the U.S. The company provides turnkey club operations for public-agency and private owners, developers and investors. Founded 20 years ago in cooperation with golf legend Billy Casper, BCG is based in Vienna, VA with regional offices strategically convenient to courses’ locales.
BCG’s best-of-breed infrastructure shows clients favorable returns on investments. Critically-acclaimed by industry leaders and media, BCG economies of scale help daily-fee, municipal, resort and private courses make and save money while delivering a personal touch.
Buffalo Communications – a division of BCG – is America’s foremost golf-specialty publicity, media-relations and marketing-communications agency. In addition to creating PR and implementing programs for BCG courses, Buffalo represents many of golf’s top brands (products, resorts, destinations and communities) worldwide.
For more information about Billy Casper Golf/Buffalo Communications, www.billycaspergolf.com, www.buffalocommunications.com,703.761.1444.
About Audubon International
Audubon International is a non-profit environmental organization with a mission to improve the quality of life and environment through research, education and conservation assistance. The organization developed the ASCP – endorsed by the United States Golf Association – to provide information and guidance to help facilities preserve and enhance wildlife habitats and protect natural resources. Golf courses from the United States, Europe, Australia and Southeast Asia have also achieved certification in the program.
Contact:
Nick Lashinsky
Billy Casper Golf / Buffalo Communications
703.891.3324
nlashinsky@billycaspergolf.com
www.buffalocommunications.com
www.billycaspergolf.com
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