Golf Business News – Viya Golf celebrates YAS links and geo-certification of YAS ACRES
Viya Golf has earned GEO certification status at YAS Links Abu Dhabi and Yas Acres Golf & Country Club, an international mark of golf’s sustainability excellence.
This recognition, awarded by the nonprofit Geographic Foundation for Sustainable Golf, affirms Viya Golf’s commitment to environmental leadership, operational efficiency and community impact.
GEO Certification is the most trusted and comprehensive sustainability certification in the golf industry. The award follows a rigorous, independently validated evaluation based on international voluntary sustainable golf standards. Both YAS Links and YAS Acres are recognized for their outstanding performance in environmental preservation, responsible resource use and meaningful community engagement.
In the YAS link, efforts such as the use of treated sewage wastewater for irrigation, efforts to restore local dune and mangrove habitats, and the implementation of advanced irrigation audits have resulted in a reduction in measurable water use and enhanced biodiversity on site.
Meanwhile, Yas Acres reduces strategic turf and active support for local wildlife habitats through its desert-adapted landscaping, including the literature on 94 bird species, of which 7 are global conservation issues.
“This recognition is a testament to the hard work and enthusiasm of our entire agronomy and operations team,” said Corey Finn, director of the Viya Golf Agronomy Cluster. “Sustainability is not only a department, but a mindset embedded in our club. From protecting Aboriginal habitats to reducing our water footprint and attracting local communities, this certification reflects our vision for a future that fits, responsible gaming.”
The certification also celebrates the importance that both clubs place on inclusion and outreach. Yas Links continues to attract local youth and schools to participate in environmental education and conservation, while Yas Acres leads community-driven programs such as the annual Pink Breast Cancer Awareness and the recently launched Get Get Get Get Get Get Get Get Get Get Get Get Get Get Get Get Get Get Get Get Gook Program, which opens the game to beginners with structured coaching and community engagement.
As part of their ongoing commitment, both clubs will establish many areas of improvement highlighted during the review, from enhanced waste tracking and communications to larger renewable energy and ecological education.
