Winnetka (Ill.) Golf Club was recognized with the prestigious Green to a Tee Award at the recent KemperSports Leadership Conference banquet, celebrating its extraordinary commitment to environmental sustainability. In a historic achievement, Winnetka Golf Club became the first facility in the history of KemperSports to complete all four levels of Green to a Tee certification in a single year, including earning Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Certification.
Green to a Tee is a structured, multi-level sustainability program that helps KemperSports-managed facilities advance environmental stewardship in key areas, including water conservation, energy efficiency, wildlife habitat protection, and waste reduction. Winnetka Golf Club’s achievement reflects a deep commitment to eco-friendly operations and a forward-thinking approach to golf course management.
“We are incredibly proud of Winnetka Golf Club for reaching this remarkable milestone,” said Shannon Nazzal, executive director of Winnetka Park District. “Sustainability is at the core of our mission, and this award underscores the club’s dedication to preserving the natural beauty of our course while setting an example for responsible environmental practices in the golf industry.”
Among the club’s standout Green to a Tee initiatives are:
- Water Conservation & Efficiency – Conducting an irrigation audit, implementing hand-watering techniques, and using part-circle irrigation heads to reduce water waste.
- Energy Reduction – Completing an Energy Audit to identify efficiency opportunities, reducing electricity and natural gas usage, and installing occupancy sensors in low-traffic areas.
- Integrated Pest Management (IPM) – Utilizing organic fertilizers, employing threshold-based pesticide application, and enhancing habitats for beneficial insects.
- Wildlife Habitat & Biodiversity – Expanding native grass areas, planting pollinator-friendly flowers, and increasing Audubon bird boxes to support local wildlife.
- Waste Reduction & Sustainable Operations – Launching a comprehensive recycling program, converting to biodegradable food and beverage materials, and adopting green-certified cleaning products.
“This award is a reflection of the hard work and passion of our entire team,” said Miles Tucker, general Manager of Winnetka Golf Club. “Our goal has always been to provide an exceptional golf experience while prioritizing sustainability, and this recognition reinforces our commitment to responsible environmental practices. I’m incredibly proud of the efforts of Superintendent David Walsh, Regional Agronomist Dave Groelle, and our entire team for making this possible.”
Winnetka Golf Club’s recognition continues a strong legacy of environmental leadership within KemperSports, marking the second consecutive year a facility under Tucker’s leadership has won the Green to a Tee award.
“We want to extend our sincere thanks to the Winnetka Park District for their continued support in making these initiatives possible. Their leadership and investment in sustainability have played a key role in creating a golf course that not only delivers an exceptional playing experience but also enhances and preserves the natural beauty of the community,” said Vince Juarez, KemperSports vice president of operations.
Photo Courtesy of KemperSports