Virginia Water, UK – September 10: Northern Ireland player Rory McIlroy tees off on the 15th hole … [+]
Player travel accounts for more than one-third of the DP World Tour's total greenhouse gas emissions. In response to this situation, the European Tour Group has launched the Player Travel Emissions Tracker. This will allow golfers to track, calculate and offset their travel-related greenhouse gas emissions during tournaments.
Elite golfers are aware of the environmental impact of their travels, with Rory McIlroy saying: “We have the opportunity to travel around the world doing the work we love, but I do have a conscience about the impact travel can have on the environment.”
McIlroy, who had reportedly been offsetting greenhouse gas emissions associated with tournament travel for four years prior to the launch, added: “I think we can all play our part in some way.”
Experts say offsets are no substitute for decarbonization. In the current tour format, travel is an inevitable part of a professional golfer's game.
Maria Grandinetti-Milton, the European Tour's head of sustainability, said the European Tour was “doubling down on our efforts to help reduce these emissions”. In addition to the Player Travel Tracker and Fan Travel Emissions Tracker launched earlier this year, the group is using its initial investment to raise awareness and support carbon reduction across the sport and individual events through ecosystem restoration projects in local communities.
Other golfers react to the launch of the player travel emissions tracker. Rafa Cabrera-Bello, the 2021 Spanish Open champion, said he has become more aware of his impact on the environment, saying “I will join the Tour's initiative because I think it is The right thing to do.” He believes athletes have the ability to drive positive change in the environment. “We are role models for many younger generations, so you always want to lead by example.”
PGA Tour and DP World Tour champion Dylan Frittelli added, “If the public sees this, maybe they will follow their tours as well.” He continued, “We are being seen, so If we can provide some information to help the environment and the general public see this, that can only help.”
