AFRIYEA Golf Academy, a Ugandan junior golf development program dedicated to combining golf with sustainability, has earned a spot as a finalist in the 2025 Golf Environment Awards under the International Golf category.
Competing alongside Camiral Golf & Wellness from Spain, Minthis in Cyprus, Mjölby Golf Club in Sweden, and Quinta do Lago Resort in Portugal, AFRIYEA is the only African golf institution represented in the awards.
The Golf Environment Awards, launched in 1995, aim to recognize and reward golf courses worldwide for their positive environmental contributions, fostering industry-wide awareness of eco-friendly practices that enhance biodiversity and tackle climate change.
In Uganda, AFRIYEA Golf Academy combines youth golf education with environmental stewardship, teaching both the game and sustainable practices in schools and communities.
The academy prioritizes waste management, tree planting, water conservation, and environmental awareness. It also leads community activities such as monthly clean-ups around Fort Portal and along the River Mpanga, which supports over 1.2 million people.
Richard Stuttard, Director at STRI Group, shared his enthusiasm for the awards, noting, “As we celebrate the 30th year of the GEAs, we remain inspired by the dedication to environmental protection in golf. The quality of entries is consistently high, and it’s exciting to welcome new individuals and clubs each year.”
AFRIYEA CEO Isaiah Mwesige expressed pride in the academy’s achievements, saying, “Golf can change lives, and when paired with sustainability, it can reshape the world. At AFRIYEA, golf is more than just a game; it’s a powerful platform for change. Being a finalist in the prestigious Golf Environment Awards is a great honor, validating our efforts and vision for a greener future. This recognition motivates us to continue breaking new ground, proving that a sustainable future for both golf and the planet is within reach, one swing at a time.”
The winners of the Golf Environment Awards 2025 will be announced on Thursday, January 23, at the Crown Hotel in Harrogate, Yorkshire.
