Fewer diesel-powered generators. More solar-powered energy. A reduction in single-use plastics. All-digital ticketing.
The U.S. Golf Association is committed to these and other green efforts at the 2022 U.S. Open at The Country Club in Brookline, Massachusetts.
The USGA calls it the “most sustainable U.S. Open Championship on-site experience to date.”
A few things fans will likely notice first: a new all-digital ticket system and an app-based fan site for things like tee times, groupings, course maps and more. This will reduce the amount of paper products used on site. There will also be more open-air vs. air-conditioned spaces on the grounds.
The U.S. Open also aims to eliminate more than 500,000 single-use plastics and instead serve beverages in aluminum cans or take-home collectible aluminum cups. Food will be served in recyclable or compostable containers.
“This is one of the many ways we’re acting on our commitment to advance the game and leave the planet better than we found it, so the next generation can enjoy playing outdoors as much as we do,” Mike Whan, CEO of the USGA, said in a statement released Monday. “The U.S. Open is a great week to spotlight what we do to sustain the game today, to show how collaboration can lead to greater action long into the future, and to illustrate that every step forward leaves an incredible impact.”
The efforts will also include the promotion of efficient mass transit to the championship and deploy more than 100 Lexus hybrid vehicles to serve as courtesy transportation.
The USGA says additionally it will invest in community renewable energy projects and purchase Renewable Energy Credits to reduce the U.S. Open’s footprint.
The 122nd U.S. Open is June 16-19.
