GEO® Tournaments Certification is an international recognition awarded to golf facilities committed to respecting nature, sustainability, and community values.
This certification process was developed and tested with the contributions and collaboration of organizations that manage major international tournaments. Among these are The R&A, the European Tour, the Scottish Open, the Waste Management Phoenix Open, the Ladies European Tour, the Solheim Cup, and the Venice Open organized by USKids and the PlayGolf54 group.
During the 2017 edition of the US Kids Venice Open, the first checks and studies on the procedures were carried out.
Since then, all subsequent editions of the US Kids Golf Venice Open have been organized with a focus on environmental sustainability. Starting from the 2018 edition and for the six subsequent editions (2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024), the tournament has been officially recognized as a GEO® Certified Tournament for its commitment to promoting sustainability in and through golf.
The US Kids Golf Venice Open was the first tournament in Italy and the first in the world for young players to receive this recognition.
All activities were conducted voluntarily by the US Kids Golf Foundation and Golf della Montecchia, with strong support from the other two host venues – Golf Club Frassanelle and Galzignano Terme Spa & Golf Resort, all of which have always been committed to this cause:
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Golf della Montecchia – “GEO® Certified Facility” obtained in 2013 and confirmed for the fourth consecutive time in 2023, study center on “Biogolf” since 2015, “Sustainability Award 2018” awarded by IAGTO, three “Impegnati nel Verde” recognitions awarded by the Italian Golf Federation, commendation in 2022 by the R&A, STRI, and BIGGA commission within the “GEA Operation Pollinator Award” recognition, and an award from the same commission in 2024 with the title of “International Environmental Golf Club of the Year.”
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Frassanelle Golf Club – enrolled in “GEO OnCourse®”, two “Impegnati nel Verde” awards from the Italian Golf Federation for the safeguarding of cultural heritage and landscape management, located within the protected area of the Euganean Hills Regional Park.
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Galzignano Golf Club – enrolled in “GEO OnCourse®”, located within the protected area of the Euganean Hills Regional Park.