Dow Championship Continues To Focus on Sustainability and GEO Certification
In 2019, the Dow Championship became the first-ever GEO Certified® LPGA event. The certificate is an internationally recognized award for sustainability in golf. The Dow Championship has received this certification in 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024.
The plan is executed and fully supported by the tournament staging and organizing teams, including Dow, Outlyr and Schupan. Together, these collaborators work with one another, local stakeholders, suppliers and vendors to deliver one of the most sustainable sport events and golf tournaments globally. Each year, new expectations and goals are set for tournament sustainability and promotion.
The GEO Certification report for each year is linked below.
Plastic Mesh Recycling Program
Dow Championship
144 of the world's best golfers will tee off again at Midland Country Club in Michigan, June 23-29, 2025. It is ranked among the top 15 percent of the highest-paying events in the LPGA Tour, excluding major championships. This places the tournament among the top five non-major events.The Dow Championship is played with 72 two-woman teams competing in a 72-hole stroke play format with alternating rounds of foursomes (alternate shot) and four-ball (best ball).
The week-long event features more than golf. It includes an official LPGA Tour Pro-Am Tournament, STEM Center, youth related programming, hospitality suites and leadership events. This inclusive event offers free daily youth opportunities, affordable ticket prices, and free admission for kids 17 and under as well as past and present Military personnel.
Our History
The Dow Championship was introduced to the LPGA Tour schedule in 2019. The tournament was founded with the vision of building community and accelerating the efforts of the Great Lakes Bay Region and Dow’s strategy by building a world-class and unique LPGA Tour event that positively impacts people’s lives.
The Dow Championship is the first team event played for official money and points and became the first fully GEO Certified® sustainable tournament on the LPGA Tour since its inception in 1950.
Midland Country Club
Midland Country Club, founded in 1928 by Dr. Hale, Gilbert A. Currie along with Dr. Herbert H. Dow. The original golf course design was overseen by Mr. Currie and he was named the first president of the newly formed Club. All 18-holes officially opened on July 1, 1928. Under the architectural guidance of Alden B. Dow and the Building Committee, tons of material were converted into 32,000 square feet of clubhouse.
The clubhouse and golf course you see today was constructed in 2009 and officially opened on Mother’s Day 2010. Midland Country Club is proud to have a strong membership of over 900 members and their families. MCC hosts over 3,000 functions each year, including weddings and receptions, business meetings, corporate events, and private dinners. We are also the proud host of the Dow Championship.
About Dow
Dow (NYSE: DOW) is one of the world’s leading materials science companies, serving customers in high-growth markets such as packaging, infrastructure, mobility and consumer applications. Our global breadth, asset integration and scale, focused innovation, leading business positions and commitment to sustainability enable us to achieve profitable growth and help deliver a sustainable future. We operate manufacturing sites in 30 countries and employ approximately 36,000 people. Dow delivered sales of approximately $43 billion in 2024. References to Dow or the Company mean Dow Inc. and its subsidiaries. Learn more about us and our ambition to be the most innovative, customer-centric, inclusive and sustainable materials science company in the world by visiting www.dow.com.
2024
Jeeno Thitikul and Ruoning Yin
Pairings & Results
Coming soon!
TEES
KW Plastics recycled over 1,500 pounds of mesh from the 2019 tournament, transforming it into plastic pellets that could be repurposed. Evolve Golf supplied the molding machine, while 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
1,159 pounds of mesh from the 2021 tournament were used to create 20,000 ball markers, which were given out at the 2022 tournament.
DIVOT TOOLS
1,159 pounds of mesh from the 2021 tournament were recycled into 5,500 divot tools, which were used during the 2022 tournament to give to our fans.
Our 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.
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.
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.
Green Team Volunteers
Green Team Volunteers
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.
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.
"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.
Water Refill Stations
Water Refill 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. We look forward to making an even greater impact in 2025!
