Barton Creek's Canyons Course receives Audubon certification
AUSTIN, Texas -- Texas' best golf course, the Fazio Canyons at Barton Creek Resort & Spa, has become the first resort course in Texas to achieve the prestigious distinction as a certified Audubon International Signature Sanctuary after meeting strict environmental criteria.
Signature certification is awarded only to new developments, which are designed, constructed and maintained according to Audubon International's precise planning standards and environmental disciplines. Wildlife conservation, habitat enhancement, resource conservation and environmental improvement are integral parts of the project development and regular reports and site audits are required to maintain the certification.
In addition to the Fazio Canyons' Signature distinction, Barton Creek Resort & Spa's three other award-winning courses, Fazio Foothills, Crenshaw Cliffside and Palmer Lakeside, already have achieved the Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary designation. Of the estimated 16,000 golf courses in the United States, only 2,300 are affiliated with the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary program and less than 50 courses in the world have achieved the highly coveted Signature status. "Barton Creek's strong commitment to environmental stewardship and ingenuity has been apparent at every step along the five-year process," said Nancy E. Richardson, Signature program director for Audubon International. "The entire Barton Creek team is committed to protecting the environment while at the same time setting new standards in the field. It is impressive to see the blend of environmental responsibility and project development this resort has achieved."
Anne Hickman-Hudgins, environmental landscape coordinator for Barton Creek Resort & Spa, led the intensive certification effort, which began in 1997 when the resort decided to add another Fazio-designed course. Now regarded as the best course in Texas by Travel & Leisure Golf, the 18-hole course features winding streams and creeks, limestone-bedded canyons and beautiful Hill Country vistas, and is home to Barton Creek's world-class Golf Academy.
Hickman-Hudgins and her team of golf course superintendents, service center managers and golf course maintenance staff worked diligently with Fazio and his staff, as well as Audubon International through the design stages and construction phases to create a course that perfectly integrates and blends the rich environmental landscape of the Barton Creek area. No other course designer holds more Signature distinctions than Fazio.
Post design, Hickman-Hudgins and her team worked countless hours to establish a Natural Resource Management Plan (NRMP), a comprehensive maintenance program focused on sustainability for the property, which addresses the following issues: wildlife conservation and habitat enhancement, water quality monitoring and management, integrated pest management, water conservation, energy efficiency and waste management. The designation of the Signature Status was achieved based on the high quality and completeness of the NRMP and its implementation.
"The Audubon Signature Sanctuary distinction is a tremendous affirmation of Barton Creek Resort & Spa's long-standing efforts to preserve the beauty and splendor of Austin and the Barton Creek environment," said G. Michael Thomas, president and COO of Barton Creek Resort & Spa. "It is the knowledge of Anne Hickman-Hudgins and her team and their tireless dedication to make the environment a partner in every step we take that has made Barton Creek Resort & Spa a world-class facility for the sport."
According to Hickman-Hudgins, "It is incredibly rewarding to create one of only a handful of comprehensive Natural Resource Management Plans and to see Barton Creek Resort & Spa become a model for environmental stewardship for Austin and the state."
Audubon International is an environmental organization whose mission is to improve the quality of the environment through research, education and conservation assistance. The focus of Audubon International is to develop a comprehensive approach to promoting sound land management practices. These appropriate changes of land use are based on sound scientific research. To learn more about the Signature program, contact Nancy E. Richardson at 270-869-9419, or write to Audubon Signature Program, 230 Second Street, Suite 311, Henderson, Ky., 42420-3145.
Located in Austin, in the heart of the glorious Texas Hill Country, Barton Creek Resort & Spa combines impeccable service with its classic brand of Austin casual elegance set in luxurious surroundings. Featuring 300 beautifully appointed rooms, Barton Creek has something for everyone and boasts superior dining experiences, 72 holes of nationally acclaimed championship golf, the industry's finest meeting facilities and a full-service spa, including a unique line of Texas-themed services. The resort is one of nearly 200 clubs and resorts worldwide owned and operated by Dallas-based ClubCorp, which was founded in 1957 and has approximately $1.6 billion in assets.
For more information on Barton Creek, call (800) 336-6158 or (512) 329-4000 or visit bartoncreek.com. Visit clubcorp.com for additional company information.
November 12, 2003