LIV Golf has hailed the environmental performance of its Indianapolis event as one of the most impressive sustainability efforts of the 2025 season, with organisers revealing the tournament diverted 84% of its waste away from landfill.
The event, staged at The Club at Chatham Hills, is now within touching distance of the 90% diversion threshold required for official Zero Waste certification. Tournament leaders say the result lays a solid foundation for reaching that milestone when the competition returns in 2026.
Jake Jones, Senior Vice President of Impact and Sustainability at LIV Golf, said:
“Achieving an 84% waste diversion rate in Indianapolis is a tremendous milestone and a clear indicator that our Impact and Sustainability strategy is driving real-world results.”
The achievement forms part of LIV Golf’s broader impact and sustainability programme which continues to shape the league’s global events calendar.
Collaboration behind the strong LIV Golf sustainability performance
A collaborative effort helped drive the progress. LIV Golf worked alongside Henke Development Group, developer of The Club at Chatham Hills, and Par 5 Group, the event management company responsible for the Indianapolis tournament. Sustainability consultancy Blue Strike Environmental was also brought in as a key operational partner.
Jones continued:
“Thanks to the incredible collaboration with Par 5 Group, Blue Strike Environmental, Visit Indy, Hamilton County Sports Authority, the Henke family, The Club at Chatham Hills and the local community, we have laid an incredible foundation and achieved a lot of key milestones.
“We are fully committed to building on this momentum when we return in 2026 and crossing the threshold to official Zero Waste certification.”
Working with the City of Westfield, Visit Indy and the Hamilton County Sports Authority, Blue Strike Environmental designed and delivered the event’s sustainability strategy. The plan focused on responsible waste management, material recovery and detailed on-site sorting operations.
Solar powered infrastructure and environmental protections
The official GEO auditor praised the partnership model and the infrastructure behind it. Among the standout features were 100% solar-powered light towers backed by battery storage systems which significantly reduced reliance on traditional fuel sources.
Environmental protection also played a central role in the tournament’s planning. A dedicated management programme ensured local wetlands were protected, while irrigation systems made use of greywater and captured humidity to maintain landscaping around the venue.
Waste diversion programme drives environmental gains
The operational team introduced a detailed materials management programme built around the established waste hierarchy. Partnerships with several organisations helped redirect materials that might otherwise have ended up in landfill.
Food rescue charity Second Helpings collected 8,436 lbs. of surplus food while composting partner RE317 processed 5,045 lbs. of organic waste. Event production specialist InProduction recovered 85% of its mesh materials and waste management firm ReWorld converted additional waste into energy.
Full vendor participation strengthens emissions tracking
In another first for the tournament, every vendor submitted sustainability data. That information enabled organisers to create a full inventory of greenhouse gas emissions across Scope 1, Scope 2 and Scope 3 as well as a comprehensive materials audit.
Energy use was also addressed through collaboration between LIV Golf, The Club at Chatham Hills and Duke Energy. Renewable Energy Certificates from an Indiana solar array were purchased and retired on behalf of the venue to offset power consumption during the event.
Kristin Cushman, Founder and CEO of Blue Strike Environmental, said:
“LIV Golf’s internal sustainability requirements have raised the bar in golf, aligning with other leading international leagues that are embedding sustainability into core KPIs and long-term strategy.
“These standards influence host selection, as markets and cities must demonstrate the infrastructure, partners and operational capacity necessary to meet minimum environmental goals. Indianapolis, Westfield and Chatham Hills have met and exceeded the program’s upward trajectory, setting the benchmark.
“Their strong local infrastructure, engaged partners and collaborative leadership make them an exceptional host and a model for continued sustainability success.”
Community initiatives extend the LIV Golf sustainability performance
Away from the course the tournament continued to emphasise its community impact. Around $50,000 was distributed to local charities while the event hosted an All-Abilities Golf Clinic to promote greater access to the sport.
High school students from underrepresented communities were also invited to take part in a Fairway Futures Career Day which introduced them to potential careers in sport and sustainability.
Fans and volunteers were encouraged to play their part as well. Educational guides prepared supporters before arrival at the course and digital messaging around the venue provided real-time updates on food donations and energy savings throughout the week.
The progress in Indianapolis also aligns with LIV Golf’s broader efforts to elevate standards across its global calendar, with the league recently unveiling new agronomy guidelines for the 2026 season in partnership with The R&A Sustainable Agronomy Service and the USGA Green Section to help deliver consistent, environmentally responsible course conditions worldwide.
Lessons from Indianapolis shaping the rest of the 2026 season
With Indianapolis delivering one of the strongest sustainability performances of the season so far, LIV Golf plans to apply many of the lessons learned at upcoming tournaments across the remainder of the 2026 schedule, including expanded upcycling initiatives, broader composting coverage, a formal bike-count system and enhanced carbon reduction tracking.
Related: LIV Golf and UNHCR Renew Global Partnership for 2026
Indianapolis Sustainability Performance – Key Details
- The LIV Golf Indianapolis event achieved an 84% waste diversion rate, moving close to the 90% Zero Waste certification standard.
- More than 8,400 lbs. of food were rescued and 5,045 lbs. of organic waste composted through partner organisations.
- Lessons from Indianapolis will help strengthen sustainability operations across the rest of the 2026 LIV Golf schedule.
