MEMPHIS: Mirimichi, Justin Timberlake’s environmentally friendly golf course in Memphis, has been selected as Golf Course of the Year by the Tennessee Turfgrass Association. Dustin Green, Mirimichi Superintendant, will receive this prestigious award in Nashville this week. The critera for this award included innovative solutions to turfgrass management problems, environmental stewardship accomplishments, and, overall turf-grass best management practices.

Ecologically responsible methods are utilized to enhance water quality and wildlife habitat, and to reduce water and energy consumption. Native grass areas, natural waste bunkers, and enhanced water features reduced the manicured acreage on the course from over 200 acres to under 90 acres and minimized the need for chemical applications. State-of-the- art irrigation and underground drainage systems maximize the efficiency of water usage and reduce soil erosion, while grassy buffer zones, wetlands areas, and aquatic water plants all provide filtration to keep state waterways clean.

Mirimichi’s owners and management team are committed to setting a positive example for environmental stewardship and innovated business management practices. The family’s investment in Mirimichi demonstrates a real hands-on commitment to supporting Tennessee’s environment and overall economic development.

This focus on green, sustainable management has been the consistent priority of Mirimichi, culminating in being the first golf course in the USA to be certified by Audubon International in its Classic Sanctuary program and the first golf course in the North, South or Central America to receive Golf Environment Organization (GEO) certified status in 2010. Mirimichi is the only golf course in the world to achieve both of these designations.

Other local, national and international accolades in 2011 include:

Tennessee Governor’s Environmental Stewardship Award – Parks and Recreation
12 Best Value Golf Courses in the US by Forbes Magazine
Top 5 Greenest Golf Courses in the World by Mother Nature Network
Golf Masters Green—Ten Environmental Courses by National Geographic
Best of Memphis – Best Golf Course by readers of the Memphis Flyer
Memphis Most – Best Golf Course by readers of the Commercial Appeal
Golf Digest / GCSAA – Environmental Leader in Golf Award – Merit Award

source: Mirimichi