Fazio Course Achieves Audubon International Certification

News Summary

The Fazio Course at Heathrow Legacy Country Club has achieved the Audubon International Signature Sanctuary Certification after seven years of hard work. This certification highlights the course’s dedication to environmental stewardship and sustainable golf practices, and it now stands as one of only about 100 golf courses worldwide holding this prestigious title. With a commitment to preserving wildlife habitats and engaging the community in environmental education, the course is set to inspire future generations while providing an outstanding golfing experience.

Fazio Course at Heathrow Legacy Country Club Celebrates Major Environmental Achievement

Golf enthusiasts and wildlife lovers alike are rejoicing as the Fazio Course at Heathrow Legacy Country Club has officially snagged the coveted Audubon International Signature Sanctuary Certification. This remarkable feat, achieved after seven long years of hard work and dedication, highlights the course’s commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable golf practices.

Nature’s Cozy Home

Located near Orlando, the Fazio Course sits nestled in a lush, green paradise that’s thriving with close to 100 species of wildlife. Imagine the thrill of spotting deer gracefully leaping across the fairways, turkeys strutting their stuff, and even the occasional bear wandering near the greens! This unique course is also home to lizards, alligators, foxes, squirrels, panthers, bobcats, and a colorful assortment of native and exotic birds that bring the course to life.

A Symbol of Environmental Excellence

The bronze-level honor of being an Audubon International Signature Sanctuary is no small achievement. It recognizes distinctive environmental excellence, making the Fazio Course one of roughly 100 golf courses worldwide to hold this prestigious distinction. The course has undergone various enhancements to meet strict environmental standards, ensuring a balance between maintaining a top-tier golfing experience and preserving the surrounding ecosystem.

Commitment from the Ground Up

At the helm of this environmental movement is Superintendent John Kopack, who is marking an impressive 50 years in the golf industry. He has worked tirelessly to regain the certificate, prioritizing eco-friendly practices and using minimally invasive treatments to maintain the course’s condition. Impressively, 99 percent of the course’s water is irrigated without any reliance on ground, reclaimed, or potable city water.

A Unique Layout with a History

The Fazio Course stretches over a challenging 7,160 yards, featuring a par 72 layout alongside a rolling landscape and mature trees that highlight the unique Florida topography. Hole No. 12, famously referred to as the “Tiger Trap,” is particularly special, having gained fame from a television commercial featuring golf legend Tiger Woods. Talk about a hole with history!

Enhancing Wildlife Habitat

In a bid to further enhance the wildlife habitat, bird boxes and duck boxes have been introduced across the course. Additionally, wetland-friendly plants such as canna lilies, spartinas, and arrowheads now flourish throughout the area, creating a vibrant environment for local fauna. A new initiative aims to utilize environmentally-conscious paint on club buildings and structures, ensuring minimal impact on the natural surroundings.

Education and Community Engagement

Looking forward, Kopack plans to engage the local community by adopting an elementary school class. The initiative will aim to educate young minds about environmental best practices, touching on exciting topics such as creating wetlands, butterfly gardens, and bird feeders. What better way to inspire the next generation to care for the planet?

Investing in the Future

Concert Golf, the proud owners of Heathrow Legacy, is equally committed to ensuring that their clubs not only offer premium golf experiences but also invest in sustainability. With exciting plans on the horizon that include $3 million in renovations and enhancements, the club is setting the stage for even more incredible offerings. The addition of new features like TopTracer Range outdoor bays and Champion Bermuda greens showcase the club’s promise to provide the best experience for its members while keeping love for the environment a top priority.

More Than Just Golf

As the Fazio Course continues its journey of ecological excellence, it stands as a symbol of how golf and nature can go hand in hand. Not only is it a place for a round of golf, but it is also a sanctuary for wildlife and a commitment to a greener future. Here’s to many more years of environmental achievements and memorable golf experiences!

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