STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, COLORADO- Haymaker Golf Course has been recognized by Audubon International for 20 years of certification as an Audubon Signature Sanctuary. The honor was achieved through a two-decade commitment to environmental stewardship and efforts to maintain a comprehensive environmental management program.

“We’re very proud to count Haymaker among our members,” said Christine Kane, CEO at Audubon International. “They made environmentally sustainable golf course management an integral part of their operating principles long before it became an accepted option. Their leadership has already brought many benefits to their community over the past 20 years and will continue to do so long into the future.”

As the first Colorado course certified in the program, Haymaker Golf Course joins 92 courses in the world this year to be designated as a Signature Sanctuary. Through participation in this program, Haymaker has been involved in numerous environmental projects, including conserving energy and reducing water use, utilizing integrated pest management techniques, naturalizing areas and managing resources in an environmentally responsible manner.

“We’re thrilled to be recognized with this distinguished honor,” said Head Golf Professional Cody Hastens. “Our goal across the course is to provide the best experience possible and that starts from the ground up transcending operations and truly becomes the ethos of everyone who works here.”

To achieve certification in the Signature Sanctuary program, a course must maintain a high degree of environmental quality in several areas. By working closely with planners, architects, managers and stakeholders, the program helps landowners and developers design for the environment so that both economic and environmental objectives are achieved and sustain in the long-term. Recertification occurs every three years.

“We believe it is essential to balance our golf maintenance techniques so that they never lose focus on wildlife and habitat management, water conservation and resource management,” continued Superintendent Adam Sando. “We challenge ourselves daily to provide the best golf conditions for players, but also for the wildlife that also call our course home.”