The Greens Go “Green” at Longboat Key Club & Resort

Golf Course Greens Are the Newest Addition to Longboat Key Club & Resorts Commitment to Sustainability

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. June 14, 2012

[Longboat Key, FL - June 14, 2012- Longboat Key Club & Resort, widely recognized as a leader in the Hospitality Industry for its Green and Sustainable initiatives, takes their commitment one step further with the implementation of Green Golf Course Technology as standard procedures for their Golf Course Maintenance programs.

Long before “green” became the industry buzzword it is today, Longboat Key Club & Resort was well on its way to identifying sustainable and energy saving initiatives that have been widely implemented throughout the resort. When the focus turned to refurbishing their golf courses, they relied on the expertise of John Reilly, Director of Agronomy, to find a system that would accomplish the goal of rejuvenating their courses but also one that would adhere to the Resort's strong commitment to environmental conservancy and sustainable initiatives.

Over the course of the past two years, and in difficult growing conditions due to heat and near drought conditions, Reilly has been able to turn an agronomically challenging course into an oasis of emerald green through the use of natural fertilizers and organic processes. The dry fertilizers that are used consist of Water Soluble Nitrogen, sprayed applications consist of filtered organic mixtures and lake and water areas are treated with biodegradable applications only. Gone are the days of mass applications of synthetic pest controls on the Resort's two courses.

Since the use of synthetic fertilizers has ceased, there has been a noticeable increase in the populations of blue crabs and seabirds as well as other Island inhabitants. The runoff from the sprinklers and hydrating systems is filtered through natural compounds, creating a healthier environment for everyone, especially the golfers who frequent the course three, four and sometimes five times per week.

“As a long-time proponent of sustainability and conservation, we are extremely proud of the results we have experienced with the beautification and refurbishment of the courses. But the real benefit is to our members and guests whose golf experience on the Longboat Key Club & Resort courses is not only enjoyable, but healthy and free from the toxins that can be prevalent on most other courses,” said Michael Welly, General Manager of Longboat Key Club & Resort. “While the process of implementing a “green” golf course is not an inexpensive one, we believe it is the wave of the future, is certainly the right thing to do and in the best interest of our members and guests. With the investment of both time and money, we can truly say we have two of the finest Island courses on the West Coast of Florida. Not only are the courses challenging, the landscaping and scenery picturesque and the staff outstanding, I am most proud of the fact that we are so environmentally progressive. My thanks to John Reilly and his team, whose diligence and creativity has allowed us to achieve such a remarkable success.”

In addition to the “green” initiatives for Golf Course Maintenance, the courses also use biodegradable tees, energy efficient golf carts, biodegradable service ware and recycled water at all rewash stations.

Golf at Longboat Key Club & Resort

Offering 45 holes of golf on two spectacular, PGA approved courses, Islandside and Harbourside, both courses offer driving ranges; clubhouses with indoor/outdoor dining and beverage service, full service pro shops featuring an impressive collection of name-brand golf apparel and equipment. Locker rooms include a lounge area, showers, televisions, towel service and shoe cleaning. Bag and club storage is complimentary for full time members and if you are visiting from out-of-town, Callaway golf club rentals are available at both courses. Group and individual instruction by a select staff of professionals as well as custom club fittings and repair services are also available.

Golf Course Specs

Islandside Golf Course
Located on the south end of Longboat Key and a short walk from the Resort center, Islandside offers 18 holes of championship golf in a lush tropical setting. Designed by Bill Mitchell and opened for play in 1960, this 6,792 yard, par 72 "watery challenge" borders the Gulf of Mexico. During the construction of this barrier island golf course, canals were dredged to bring water hazards into play on all 18 holes. All of the greens, sand traps and cart paths were renovated in 1994. More than 5,000 palm trees, along with pink and white Oleanders, line the fairways and canals making it one of Florida's most beautiful and challenging golf courses.

Harbourside Golf Course
Located approximately three miles from the resort center, Harbourside consists of three elegantly appointed nine-hole golf courses originally designed by Willard Byrd of Atlanta and opened for play in 1982. With an abundance of holes situated along scenic Sarasota Bay and Longboat Key Club Moorings, Harbourside provides an exciting challenge for seasoned golfers. The newly redesigned Red Hawk course measures 3,323 yards in length; the White course boasts 3,426 yards, and the Blue Heron course, redesigned in 2005, offers 3,386 yards. Harbourside plays through virgin stands of live oak, Sabal palm, strangler fig, palmetto, Fiddleleaf palm, Washingtonian palm, and southern pine trees. In 2005 and 2006, the Blue and Red nines were redesigned by renowned Florida golf course architect, Ron Garl. Longboat Key Club & Resort's location in a bird sanctuary also brings an abundance of waterfowl to these courses.

To find out more about golf at Longboat Key Club & Resort, please contact Terry O'Hara, Director of Golf at Longboat Key Club & Resort at (941) 387-1632 or visit us online at www.longboatkeyclub.com.

About Longboat Key Club & Resort

Longboat Key Club and Resort is Sarasota's premier AAA Four-Diamond beachfront resort and private club renowned for its distinctive guest service and unparalleled amenities. Easily accessible from two international airports, the resorts on-site amenities include: championship golf; 25 Har-Tru tennis courts; a state-of-the-art Fitness Centre; Island House Spa offering over 50 services; six unique restaurants; a 291 slip deep-water marina; and a private white sand beach. Located at 220 Sands Pointe Road, Longboat Key, Florida, reservations can be made by calling (941) 383-8821, (800) 237-8821 or by contacting us online at www.longboatkeyclub.com.