Dow Championship Advances
Sustainability in Golf
Since its inception in 2019, the Dow Championship has prioritized sustainability, earning GEO Certification through 2024 and becoming the first-ever GEO Certified® LPGA event. GEO certification is an internationally recognized standard for sustainability in golf.
Through collaboration with local stakeholders, suppliers, and vendors, the Dow Championship delivers one of the most sustainable sporting events and golf tournaments worldwide. In 2025, the tournament partnered with the Council for Responsible Sport to further accelerate sustainability initiatives and set new benchmarks. We look forward to 2026 as we continue to achieve environmental goals for the community and beyond.
Click the boxes below to explore our sustainability reports.
Plastic Mesh Recycling Program
GOLF TEES
KW Plastics recycled over 1,500 pounds of mesh from the 2019 tournament, transforming it into plastic pellets ready for repurposing. Evolve Golf supplied the molding machine, and Bull Engineered Products used it to manufacture the tees. This innovative mesh-to-tees project was a collaborative effort between the Dow Championship, Schupan Recycling, KW Plastics, Evolve Golf, and Bull Engineered Products, demonstrating the power of teamwork in sustainability.
BALL MARKERS
From the 2021 tournament, 1,159 pounds of mesh were recycled to create 20,000 ball markers, which were distributed to attendees at the 2022 tournament.
DIVOT TOOLS
The same 1,159 pounds of mesh from 2021 were also transformed into 5,500 divot tools, which were used during the 2022 tournament and given to fans.
STACKING BLOCKS
With support from our partners, 2,000 pounds of mesh from the 2023 tournament were recycled into 25,000 building blocks. These blocks were used in the Kid’s Zone during the 2024 tournament and donated to numerous youth programs throughout the region.
2025 Sustainability Initiatives
Zero Waste
Zero Waste
The Dow Championship is committed to waste reduction, with the ultimate goal of being a zero waste-event. Through a comprehensive waste diversion program that focuses on recycling, reuse, composting, donation and reduction efforts, the tournament diverted more than 92% of its waste from landfills in 2024. One key initiative includes offering attendees digital access to pairing guides, site maps, and event information through QR codes placed throughout the venue, eliminating over 12,000 pieces of paper from the waste stream. 2025 details coming soon.
Reused Materials
Reused Materials
We are dedicated to giving materials a second life by donating and repurposing them through regional organizations. In 2024, 40,909 pounds of wood used at the event were either donated or recycled. Construction materials such as wood and carpeting from the course are passed on to Michigan companies for reuse. Additionally, staff uniforms and caddie bibs are reused whenever possible, and PVS signage—created by FifthColor—is recycled and reground, further minimizing waste. 2025 details coming soon.
"One Last Shot" Program
"One Last Shot" Program
Each year, we partner with First Tee Eastern Michigan to provide gently used golf equipment and apparel to those in need—helping make the game more accessible to everyone. Our 1,100+ volunteers are encouraged to donate gently used polos, hats, golf shoes, clubs, bags, balls, and more, giving these items "one last shot" to support golfers within the region.
On-Course Recycling
On-Course Recycling
The Dow Championship prioritizes sustainability by actively reducing waste throughout the event. In 2024, the tournament successfully recycled 75,184.5 pounds of materials. 150 recycling bins are strategically placed around the course, including in public areas, behind the scenes, and within hospitality structures. To further minimize waste, all serve ware used during the tournament is 100% compostable. 2025 details coming soon.
The Green Team
The Green Team
The Green Team volunteers help educate tournament attendees about our eco-friendly initiatives while also assisting with behind-the-scenes recycling efforts to support our zero-waste goal. The Green Team volunteers place sustainability signage throughout the course, promoting awareness not only during the tournament but also inspiring long-term environmental responsibility beyond the event.
In 2025, Green Team volunteers came from the Little Forks Conservation Fund and assisted with The Conservation Fund’s Great Lakes Bay Sturgeon Release Program, distributing Milkweed pods to assist in habitat growth for monarch butterflies
Visit the Green Team booth on the course to take part in interactive sustainability activations—test your skills by chipping or putting, learn about the plastic bottle recycling process, and more!
Food Donation
Food Donation
Driven by our commitment to giving back, we’ve partnered with ReGrow Together, an initiative led by United Way of Midland County, to provide nutritious, low-cost meals while reducing food waste. In 2024, more than 6,500 pounds of prepared and unused food were donated to local and regional nonprofits, directly supporting those in need. ReGrow Together repurposes surplus food into ready-to-eat meals and works with local partners to fight food insecurity while also offering culinary job training—creating a lasting impact on the community. 2025 details coming soon.
Refillable Water Stations
Refillable Water Stations
To reduce single-use plastic waste, tournament attendees receive a refillable water bottle and are encouraged to use designated refill stations throughout the course. These stations provide a safe and convenient water source for golfers and spectators while supporting our sustainability efforts. Beyond tournament week, the refill stations remain available for club members to use throughout the entire golf season.
GotSneakers Partnership
GotSneakers Partnership
The Dow Championship is proud to partner with GotSneakers, a sneaker recycling company committed to sustainability. Collection containers are available in the player locker room, as well as in all staff and spectator parking areas, making it easy for everyone to participate. In 2024, 103 pairs of athletic sneakers were collected and diverted from landfills. 2025 details coming soon.
