Claude Crockford Environmental Award 2019
Congratulations to Bivek Inderjeeth from The Eastern Golf Club, the 2019 Claude Crockford Award Winner
Congratulations to Bivek Inderjeeth from The Eastern Golf Club who was announced as the 2019 Claude Crockford Environmental Award winner at the ATC Conference Dinner last week.
The Eastern Golf Club is a private golf course comprising of 27 holes plus a 9-hole Par 3 course, situated on 300 hectares at Yering in the Yarra Valley, Victoria. Bivek is the Club’s resident horticulturalist, supported and nominated for the award by the course superintendent, Jay Infanti. Bivek was selected for the award based on his commitment to environmental stewardship and to fulfilling the Club’s philosophy of creating an environment in harmony with the broader landscape. Inderjeeth is the second horticulturalist to win the award, following in the footsteps of 2010 winner Jodie Grainger from Yering Meadows.
One of the key natural environments the Eastern Golf Club comes into contact with is the Yarra River and its natural riparian areas. The 4.5km stretch of the Yarra River which flows through the property supports a diverse and sensitive ecosystem. Bivek has increased flora populations and removed noxious species in the riparian areas with the aim to create habitats for native flora and fauna species along the river bank, now and with a strong focus on a sustainable future. One of their measures of success is the abundance of mammals, reptiles and amphibians living in and around their riparian areas; positive signs of a functioning eco system with minimal pollutants.
“The Yarra river provides us with water, cultural heritage and beneficial natural environments which need to be enhanced and protected appropriately…Our environment first approach coupled with advice and grants from environmental organisations, is having a positive effect on the entire natural environment of our Golf course.” - Bivek Inderjeeth
Origins of the AGCSA Claude Crockford Environmental Award
The AGCSA Claude Crockford Environmental Award recognises golf course managers for their commitment to sustainable land management, long-term environmental planning, community involvement and overall environmental stewardship of their golf course.
The award, which is presented at the annual AGCSA Australian Turfgrass Conference, is named in honour of Claude Crockford who was superintendent at the world-renowned Royal Melbourne Golf Club between 1937 and 1975. While Royal Melbourne is famed for its greens, it was Crockford’s championing of golf course environmental management which he is most remembered for within the industry. That legacy continues today through the Claude Crockford Environmental Award.
What the award means in today’s world
In these times of heightened environmental awareness and regulation, the AGCSA Claude Crockford Environmental Award takes on great significance. With golf courses now under increasing public and legislative scrutiny, environmental management and responsibility has become a primary concern for the modern day superintendent.
This award has become one of the most sought after at the annual presentation ceremony and always attracts a highly competitive field of nominees. Winning the AGCSA Claude Crockford Environmental Award is something that the entire Club can take pride in. And Syngenta is proud to sponsor this important award.
To be nominated for the AGCSA Claude Crockford Environmental Award, the nominee must work within an organisation that employs a current AGCSA member. All valid nominations will be judged individually by members of the AGCSA Board with input from independent industry experts as required.
Selection criteria include the demonstration of a commitment to sustainable land management, long-term planning, community involvement and overall environmental stewardship of the golf course and its surrounding environment. Protection of indigenous plant and animal populations, restoration of habitat and a desire to protect sensitive areas are also highly regarded aspects of this award.
