Summit County golf course first in Utah to receive environmental designation

Photo: Courtesy of Victory Ranch

KAMAS, Utah – The Victory Ranch Club golf course recently achieved designation as a “Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary” through the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses. Although it joins over 900 properties worldwide, Victory Ranch Club is the first in Utah to receive this designation.

Designed by American golf course architect Rees Jones, the 18-hole course at Victory Ranch criss-crosses over 7,600 yards of high country in the Uinta and Wasatch Mountains. The course was recently named the #1 private course in Utah by Golfweek and among the best in the state by Golf Digest.

While the course boasts a 360-degree view of the surrounding landscape at the 17th hole, their mission remains to “maintain the natural diversity of native flora and fauna, while restoring and protecting their ecosystems,” according to their website.

“Our community is very excited to join the Audubon International Organization, as environmental sustainability fits our core values,” said Mark Hanson, Director of Operations at Victory Ranch.

In order to receive the designation, Victory Ranch’s agronomy team, directed by Paul Stokes, had to meet rigorous requirements set by Audobon International. “Our goal at Victory Ranch is to create and promote environmental sustainability in our daily management of the golf course,” said Stokes. The team started the process of becoming certified by Audobon in December 2023 and has worked with the organization to meet their requirements. One important element, according to Stokes, is to “limit the amount of activity around the golf course in the natural areas to preserve the space for wildlife habitat.”

“To reach certification, a course must demonstrate that they are maintaining a high degree of environmental quality in a number of areas,” explained Christine Kane, CEO at Audubon International. These categories include Environmental Planning, Wildlife & Habitat Management, Outreach and Education, Chemical Use Reduction and Safety, Water Conservation, and Water Quality Management.

The Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses, endorsed by the United States Golf Association, provides information and guidance to help golf courses preserve and enhance wildlife habitat and protect natural resources. Golf courses from the United States, Africa, Australia, Canada, Central America, Europe, New Zealand, and Southeast Asia have achieved certification in the program.