Winnetka Golf Club has proudly received the esteemed Green to a Tee Award at the recent KemperSports Leadership Conference banquet, highlighting its impressive dedication to environmental sustainability.
This achievement marks a significant milestone, as Winnetka Golf Club is the first facility in KemperSports history to successfully complete all four levels of Green to a Tee certification in just one year, including the notable Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Certification.
This recognition serves as an inspiring example for other facilities striving for sustainability.

Green to a Tee is a comprehensive, multi-tiered sustainability initiative designed to assist KemperSports facilities in enhancing environmental stewardship in critical areas, including
- water conservation,
- energy efficiency,
- wildlife habitat protection, and
- waste reduction.
Winnetka Golf Club’s accomplishments exemplify a profound commitment to environmentally responsible operations and a progressive approach to golf course management.
Among the club’s standout Green to a Tee initiatives are:
- Water Conservation & Efficiency – Conducting an irrigation audit, implementing hand-watering techniques, and using part-circle irrigation heads to reduce water waste.
- Energy Reduction – Completing an Energy Audit to identify efficiency opportunities, reducing electricity and natural gas usage, and installing occupancy sensors in low-traffic areas.
- Integrated Pest Management (IPM) – Utilizing organic fertilizers, employing threshold-based pesticide application, and enhancing habitats for beneficial insects.
- Wildlife Habitat & Biodiversity – Expanding native grass areas, planting pollinator-friendly flowers, and increasing Audubon bird boxes to support local wildlife.
- Waste Reduction & Sustainable Operations – Launching a comprehensive recycling program, converting to biodegradable food and beverage materials, and adopting green-certified cleaning products.