Spectators at this week's ISPS HANDA Senior Open will not just be able to take in some of golf's greatest names but also Scotland's remarkable landscape and wildlife.
Sat in 850 acres of Perthshire's 'Big Tree Country', The Gleneagles Hotel is committed to minimising its impact on its surroundings, both from players and spectators.
Its three courses, the King's, Queen's and PGA Centenary, have each been Golf Environmental Organisation certified (‘GEO Certified’® status) since 2014. This accolade recognises exceptional golfing environmental stewardship through protecting biodiversity, using natural resources responsibly and raising awareness for sustainability.
"Great golfing experiences depend on nature, so it’s vital we acknowledge this link and minimise our impact on the environment," said a spokesperson. "Collectively, our greenkeepers and gardeners have a wealth of knowledge and an enduring passion to uphold the highest standards of land stewardship, ensuring areas across our courses are left untouched to protect and enhance biodiversity."
This week's ISPS HANDA Senior Open will be played on the King's Course which was opened in 1919, meaning its long-established grass species require less aeration, treatment and watering than many courses.
The water that is used for watering is comes from on-site reservoirs and dedicated boreholes which naturally harvest rainwater.
Beeches Rigg - the 250-year-old collection of Beech trees which cuts through the King’s Course - is protected by Historic Scotland, while the White Water has long been recognised as a habitat of the highest value and is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) by Scottish Natural Heritage.
A further five areas of considerable value for wildlife on the Kings Course are fiercely protected.
As well as this, Gleneagles is home to several birds listed on the red list of Birds of Conservation Concern such as House Sparrow, Skylark and Yellowhammer.
While all this happens all year round, when the ISPS HANDA Senior Open is being hosted, the DP World Tour also assists with conservation through its Golf for Good program.
Among this year's sustaiability initiatives are:
• HVO Biofuel being used across site where mains is not possible
• Park & Ride, as well as Park & Walk available for fans, with bicycle parking onsite and step counts encouraged to reach daily exercise targets
• Water refill stations in the fan village and tenth hole catering areas
• Food is locally sourced, reducing hauling and freight emissions
• Compostable packaging used for food, eating utensils and hand towels
• A compost waste stream to support food waste
• Player catering has carbon emissions highlighted
• Zero waste to landfill with increased waste separation focus on site
• All left over materials to be shared to local charities where possible
