Heathrow Legacy Country Club’s Fazio Course Earns Audubon International Signature Sanctuary Certification

Audubon International—an environmentally focused non-profit organization offering members numerous certifications and conservation initiatives to protect the areas where people live, work and play—announces that the Fazio Course at Heathrow Legacy Country Club near Orlando, Florida, has earned Audubon International Signature Sanctuary Certification at the bronze level. This honor is one of the top certifications that Audubon International recognizes for golf courses. The Fazio Course is now one of approximately 100 golf courses in the world with this prestigious designation.

This is the first time in seven years that the Fazio Course at Heathrow Legacy, one of 38 upscale private clubs nationwide in the Concert Golf Partners network, has earned the Audubon International designation, which recognizes “distinctive environmental excellence.” Legendary Superintendent John Kopack—who is celebrating 50 years in the golf industry—made it a priority for the course to regain the honor. With close to 100 species—such as deer, turkey, bears, lizards, alligators, foxes, squirrels, panthers, bobcats, fish, and several native and exotic birds—the course is known for its spectacular array of wildlife.

“It’s truly gratifying to have such a venerable, sustainability-driven club like Heathrow Legacy Country Club’s Fazio Course in the Signature Sanctuary certification fold,” said Christine Kane, CEO of Audubon International. “Under John Kopack’s expert direction and in close coordination with our team of Environmental Specialists, the club continues to set a high standard for stewardship at all levels, from creating wildlife corridors to saving energy. We congratulate everyone involved in this recertification effort.”

Namesake architect Tom Fazio has praised the Fazio Course as among his best efforts. The 7,160-yard, par 72 layout carries a 74.5 rating and 132 slope carved around a dense forest of lush, mature trees, with spectacular topography, dramatic slopes, rises and knolls unique to Florida.

Kopack helped with the original construction of the Fazio Course in 1998 and was among Concert Golf Partners’ first employees. During that time, he was instrumental in making the Fazio Course one of the earliest recipients of the Audubon International Signature Sanctuary Certification. Kopack is now enjoying his third employment tenure with Concert Golf.

“To bring back the Audubon International Certification and be involved again with their program means so much,” said Kopack. “Seeing all the turkey and deer never gets old.”

Part of Kopack’s mantra is to use minimally invasive course treatments to ensure he is managing the course in an environmentally sound manner. The course irrigates 99 percent of its water. No ground, reclaimed, or potable city water is ever used. All of the lakes and ponds flow into a pump station, where it refilters into the turf grass and drains into a specifically designated pond.

To meet and exceed Audubon International Signature Sanctuary standards, Kopack installed wetland-friendly plants, such as canna lilies, spartinas, and arrowheads. He also added bird boxes and duck boxes. The club will also use environmentally conservative paint on its buildings and structures. As part of the program, Kopack plans to “adopt” an elementary school class and meet with them monthly to discuss environmental best practices, as well as educate them on the importance of creating wetlands, butterfly gardens, and installing bird feeders.

“The Fazio Course was born out of its natural surroundings and endeavors to preserve this habitat,” said Concert Golf COO, Susan Dunnavant. “John Kopack was the original Concert Golf Vice President of Agronomy, and he was at this location previously. He understands the delicacy of care the course requires to coexist with its surroundings. The fact that it has been certified by Audubon International is a testament that the balance between golf and nature has endured.”

Heathrow Legacy was the first club owned by Concert Golf. Now, there are 38 upscale, private clubs in the Concert portfolio, including nine across Florida, such as The Club at Renaissance (Fort Myers), Marsh Landing Country Club (Ponte Vedra), Carrollwood Country Club (Tampa), and the newly acquired Golf Club of the Everglades (Naples). Across America, Concert also features clubs such as Gaillardia Country Club (Oklahoma City), Glen Oaks Country Club (Des Moines), TPC Jasna Polana (Princeton, N.J.), and The Club at Pasadera (Monterey, Calif.).  

To learn more about how your local golf course, community, lodging property or resort can gain recognition for your environmental efforts or to learn how to expand your initiatives through Audubon International’s numerous environmental certifications, visit www.auduboninternational.org or call toll free: 1-844-767-9051.