SAN DIEGO, CA. – Heritage Golf Group is pleased to announce that TPC Prestancia in Sarasota, Florida, has retained its designation as a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary through the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses, an Audubon International program. Participation is designed to help course personnel plan, organize, implement, and document a comprehensive environmental management program and receive recognition for their efforts. To reach certification, a course must demonstrate that they are maintaining a high degree of environmental quality in a number of areas including: Environmental Planning, Wildlife & Habitat Management, Outreach and Education, Chemical Use Reduction and Safety, Water Conservation, and Water Quality Management.
“TPC Prestancia has shown a strong commitment to its environmental program. They are to be commended for their efforts to provide a sanctuary for wildlife on the golf course property,” said Joellen Lampman, Audubon International Program Manager.
TPC Prestancia is one of 99 courses in Florida and 759 courses in the world to receive the honor. Golf courses from the United States, Africa, Australia, Canada, Central America, Europe, South America, and Southeast Asia have also achieved certification in the program. The golf course was designated as a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary in 1998. After designation, courses go through a recertification process every two years.
“We are pleased to have retained our designation as a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary,” said Jim Poole, General Manager of TPC Prestancia. “Throughout the years, our Club has been committed to providing a top-tier, private golf club membership program and golf course facility. TPC Prestancia is proud to continue our commitment to environmental quality.”
Heritage Golf Group has a total of seven Audubon Sanctuaries in The Heritage Collection. The Legacy Club at Alaqua Lakes, Florida is a Certified Bronze Audubon Signature Sanctuary. In addition to TPC Prestancia, the following Heritage Golf Group properties are Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuaries: TPC Eagle Trace, Florida; TPC Tampa Bay, Florida; TPC Piper Glen, North Carolina; TPC Michigan, Michigan; and Palmetto Hall Plantation Club, South Carolina.
This year, the recertification process, coordinated by Brent C. Powers, Superintendent at TPC Prestancia, required a visit by a local community representative. Patricia Porchey, Urban Horticulture Extension Agent with the University of Florida/Sarasota County was given a tour of the course and sent her observations to Audubon International. According to Porchey, “TPC Prestancia is a good example of a golf course being true to its members with outstanding courses and still being a good environmental steward of natural Florida.”
“We see the site visit as an important component of a course’s recertification,” stated Lampman. “It provides an objective verification of some of the more visible aspects of the course’s environmental management activities. In addition, it offers an opportunity for golf course representatives to share publicly some of the voluntary actions they have taken to protect and sustain the land, water, wildlife, and natural resources around them.”
Audubon International is an environmental organization dedicated to educating, assisting, and inspiring millions of people from all walks of life to protect and sustain the land, water, wildlife, and natural resources around them. For more information, visit their website at www.auduboninternational.org.
Opened on February 4, 1985, TPC Prestancia features two 18-hole championship golf courses designed around spectacular coastal wildlife, providing a beautiful venue for its challenging playing conditions. TPC Prestancia is a member of both the Tournament Players Club Network and the Heritage Collection of properties. Over the years, TPC Prestancia has earned such accolades as “The Best of the Best” by Sarasota Magazine, “Subscribers Choice Award” by Florida Golf Magazine and “Best Private Country Club” by the Sarasota Herald Tribune. For more information, please visit www.tpcprestancia.com.
About Heritage Golf Group
Heritage Golf Group (www.heritagegolfgroup.com) began in 1999 with funding provided by the private equity firm, GTCR Golder Rauner, LLC. Since then, the company has grown an impressive portfolio of private and resort golf clubs around the country. The Heritage portfolio represents some of the most well-known and acclaimed properties spanning Texas, Georgia, Florida, Michigan, North Carolina and South Carolina. The company, led by Bob Husband, President and CEO, distinguishes itself through its dedication to unrivaled golf and uncompromising service.
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