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Is Greg Norman redefining golf with his eco-friendly courses, or is it just good PR?

Greg Norman recently announced that one of his designed courses has won four awards. The Ayla Golf Club in Jordan received the Most Sustainable Desert Golf Course (Worldwide) honor at the 2024 Sustainable Luxury Awards. The Greg Norman-designed layout was also recognized as the Most Sustainable Mountain Golf Course (in Jordan) the Most Sustainable Championship Golf Course, and the Most Sustainable 18-hole Golf Course in the region (Middle East).

The Great White Shark wrote on his Instagram handle, “We’re proud to announce that Ayla Golf Club wins 4 prestigious sustainability awards-recognized globally, regionally and locally, a testament to our commitment to preserving nature while perfecting the game.

Ayla Golf Club, extending over 800,000 Sq. Meter, is the country’s first 18-hole championship course. Nestled amid the deserted landscape, the par-72 layout features rolling terrains, elevation changes, and artificial lakes along with a 9-hole golf academy. 

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Per a report on Jordan News, the course utilizes artificial lakes as groundwater reservoirs for irrigation. Moreover, they also double up as resting spots for migratory birds from Africa, Asia, and Europe. Alya Golf Club also boasts a 9MW Solar Power Plant. 

The award, bestowed by Quality Touch, recognizes sustainable luxury businesses globally. Quality Touch is a 360-degree architectural solution provider, with a focus on sustainability, founded in 2007 by architect, Hugo Graça Gonçalves.

A total of 69 clubs were recognized across 5 different continents. The awards were divided into three specific sections: region, country, and global. They looked at the economic, social, and environmental sustainability to rank the courses. However, specifics of the judging criteria weren’t available publicly. Neither were the names of the jury listed on the official website.

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Is Greg Norman redefining golf with his eco-friendly courses, or is it just good PR?

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Nevertheless, this is another feather in Greg Norman’s cap. The LIV Golf CEO has designed over 100 golf courses worldwide. His net worth, per a Yahoo Finance estimate, is around $400M. Other than this relatively new golf course in Jordan, here are some best works from Norman’s portfolio.

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Greg Norman’s top-rated works as a course designer

The 20-time PGA Tour winner founded Greg Norman Golf Course Design in 1987. The Great White Shark’s first few projects were across his Florida home, and in his native country as well. The LIV Golf CEO currently handles all his projects under the umbrella of Greg Norman Company. 

Norman will be best known for his works on the New South Wales Golf Club. The veteran golfer has been associated as a consultant for the past decade, having added his own twist to a few holes at the historic course. Bob Harrison, one of his associates, also reworked the 1st and 18th holes previously and was a key figure in the redevelopment of the sandy areas.

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The Grange, the venue of LIV Golf Adelaide is also a Greg Norman brainchild. The former world no.1 ventured into Asia and Africa as well. A handful of his courses are dotted across the United Arab Emirates, Algeria, Jordan, Oman, and Egypt. Notably, The Fire Course of the Jumeirah Golf Estate, the venue of this year’s DP World Tour Championship is also Norman’s handiwork. What do you think of the Greg Norman’s work as a designer? let us know below!

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