Wachovia Championship going 'green'

CHARLOTTE, N.C.—Although the Wachovia Championship lasts just one week, officials said they are doing their part to help the environment. This year, more recycle bins have been placed around the Quail Hollow Club, and officials hope their efforts catch on with the community.

"I think we see a lot of people in the community making a greater effort toward going green, toward protecting our environment," spectator Margaret Griffith said.

She comes out to the Wachovia Championship every year and she said the effort the Quail Hollow Club has made to go green has not gone unnoticed. Transportation is also another area the tournament has made strides.

"A lot of people are riding bicycles to the Wachovia this year," Griffith added.

The Wachovia Championship is also using shuttle buses with low-emission turbines to get people to and from the event. Once there, even things fans might not notice have helped the tournament go green.

"A lot of the instruments on the golf course are biodegradable, and we're using alternative fuel sources in our generators so we're trying to do as much as we can," explained Kym Hougham, executive director of the Wachovia Championship.

Most golfers think more about green grass and green jackets than going green, but PGA Tour winner Woody Austin said it's nice to see these changes.

"I think everything for the environment is a good thing," Austin said.

Officials said it did cost a little more to make the championship more environmentally friendly this year, but they added you can't put a price on something important like the environment.

Other golf tournaments also have plans to go green, including the Player's Championship, the Memorial Tournament and the Crowne Plaza Invitational.

By Lisa Reyes

Provider:
News 14