The USGA’s commitment to elevating the U.S. Open Championship as one of the most sustainable events in golf continues this week at Pinehurst through a Reduce, Renew and Reinvest program aimed at reducing the championship’s carbon footprint, utilizing renewable energy sources and reinvesting in the community.
Specific efforts include:
Reduce
In the last three years, the USGA has reduced single-use plastics at the U.S. Open by 90 percent – and we’re committed to improving on that performance. Concession areas feature recyclable aluminum cups and beverage products, and food containers made from recyclable or recycled materials. Fans can also bring in their own personal reusable water bottles throughout championship week and refill them at any of eight water stations.
At the 2023 U.S. Open in Los Angeles, the USGA quadrupled its on-site recycling collection and diverted nearly 2,500 pounds of unused food to a nearby food kitchen, reducing its organic waste to landfills. Fans play a key role by using on-site recycling bins, guided by signs to help us deliver a cleaner, more environmentally friendly championship.
For the first time in Pinehurst, U.S. Open fans can also enjoy more efficient mass transit via NC By Train between Raleigh and the championship site during championship days, thereby reducing single-vehicle fossil fuels and carbon emissions.
Renew
The USGA and Pinehurst Resort & Country Club have teamed to install permanent power throughout the championship site, which will reduce use of diesel-powered generators not only in 2024, but during the 11 future championships scheduled for the historic venue. Approximate savings include 50,000 gallons of fuel and more than 1.1 million pounds of carbon dioxide emissions.
Dewars will offer its signature beverage, the Lemon Wedge, in premium reusable/recyclable aluminum cups, Lexus will incorporate hybrid vehicles into the on-site fleet, and other USGA corporate partners have contributed in meaningful ways to our sustainability commitment.
Duke Energy Carolinas, our power provider, has also committed to a cleaner energy grid, employing renewable energy from wind, solar, nuclear and hydroelectric, among other sources.
Reinvest
The USGA annually works with our U.S. Open host communities to reinvest in projects that advance the game of golf. In 2024, the USGA and its donors have reinvested $1 million in the Carolinas community to fully fund the Greenkeeper Apprenticeship Program at nearby Sandhills Community College and Horry-Georgetown Technical College (S.C.) for the next five years. This one-year classroom/on-course workforce development program was created by the USGA to advance the education and skills of golf course workers, leading to Journeyworker cards, increased pay and career opportunities.
The USGA has also made a $30 million commitment to help the game reduce water usage by as much as 45 percent in the next 15 years, and that investment includes setting a strong example at the U.S. Open.
Pinehurst Resort & Country Club, a long-term partner of the USGA Green Section, has reduced its water use across all of its 11 golf courses by more than 50 percent – a model that others can follow. These efforts include eliminating water-hungry and costly overseeding, reducing managed turf in favor of native plant areas, using updated irrigation technology, moisture meters and data to target water use, and installing drought-resistant turfgrasses. These reinvestment projects have made a sizable impact.
As an anchor site, the USGA also added championship-specific water lines throughout the U.S. Open site that will help us better measure, regulate and apply water in 2024 and beyond.