Callaway: Uniting the Golf Community on a Course to Sustainability

In a candid conversation with Callaway’s Global Sustainability Program Manager, Ke Yang, and Director of Service & Operations, Siobhán Anderson, we explore the company's remarkable journey towards embracing sustainability and its positive impact on the golf community.

Unveiling the significant milestones, local initiatives, and collaborative efforts that shape Callaway's path to a greener future, we invite you to be part of a movement that's more than just a game.

Passion Meets Purpose: Callaway's Sustainability Commitment

Driven by a genuine love for golf and a profound responsibility towards the planet, Callaway has made significant strides in understanding its environmental impact. Ke Yang shares, "Over the past few years, we have focused on understanding our business's environmental impact, identifying key sustainability issues for our stakeholders, and prioritising our efforts for maximum impact.”

Key focus areas include climate change and product innovation, with the company:

● Reducing single-use plastics and introducing recyclable packaging for various products

● Increasing the use of recycled materials in brands like Jack Wolfskin and TravisMathew

● Expanding recycling initiatives at Topgolf venues, including a program to recycle half a million golf balls in 2023

Reducing single-use plastics.

Callaway’s eco-friendly packaging for club shipments, significantly reduces single-use plastics, ensuring a sustainable future for the golf industry.

Increasing the use of recycled materials.

Jack Wolfskin demonstrates its dedication to sustainability by switching from non-biodegradable silica dry packs to eco-friendly clay dry packs, significantly reducing plastic waste in product shipments.

Eco-friendly Manufacturing, Efficient Operations

Callaway is dedicated to ensuring that all facilities and manufacturing processes leave a minimal environmental footprint. Siobhán Anderson adds, "In everything we do, we try to ensure we are as efficient as possible to reduce energy consumption and reduce waste." The company achieves this by:

● Implementing energy-efficient systems at major facilities, like LED lighting and efficient HVAC systems

● Investing in R&D to improve manufacturing processes, reduce waste, and increase material recycling

● Developing products that incorporate recycled materials

Callaway's state-of-the-art mobile tour performance truck.

Showcasing roof-top solar panels, provides up to 30% sustainable energy and demonstrates their commitment to eco-friendly innovation in the golf industry.

Partnerships for a Brighter Future

Callaway values the relationships built on and off the course, working closely with partners and suppliers to prioritise ethical procurement and environmental stewardship. "We consistently engage with our suppliers to drive continuous improvement, which includes on-site reviews, supplier self-assessments, third-party audits, and training. New manufacturing suppliers undergo a comprehensive evaluation, and we ensure that leadership within our supplier network acknowledges and commits to meeting our expectations," says Anderson, as the company adheres to a Supplier Code of Conduct, holding partners to high standards.

Local Love: Grassroots Sustainability Efforts

Callaway's dedication to sustainability extends beyond its global operations, nurturing change within local communities. Anderson shares, "We have recently been trialing two different recycling initiatives locally. The first is golf ball recycling. Balls are recycled for use in such things as outdoor furniture, roadways and paving." Local recycling initiatives repurpose used golf balls and graphite shafts, while the company seeks innovative solutions and partnerships to promote sustainable practices at a grassroots level.

A Shared Vision for the Future of Golf

Callaway's long-term goals are as ambitious as they are essential, focusing on increasing the use of sustainable materials, enhancing product lifespans, and fostering supplier collaboration for shared sustainability objectives. "Our impact on promoting responsible golfing experiences is rooted in creating products and services that are more sustainable," says Yang, "We believe that meaningful change begins from within, which is why cultivating a culture of sustainability is fundamental to our approach to promoting responsible golfing experiences." The company aims for 100% renewable energy at its Carlsbad headquarters by 2027, improving operational efficiency, and transitioning to renewable energy sources.

Champions of Change

At the heart of Callaway's sustainability journey lies a passionate network of global sustainability champions. "Together, we are committed to delivering sustainable outcomes, one initiative at a time, tailored to the specific environmental and community needs of each area we operate in," Yang shares. These champions facilitate communication, collaboration, and accountability across the organisation, nurturing a culture of sustainability and positive change.

Callaway invites you to join a movement that brings together the passion for the game and the love for our planet. By integrating eco-friendly practices into its operations, products, and partnerships, Callaway demonstrates a genuine commitment to responsible business and environmental stewardship that resonates with golf enthusiasts and inspires positive change across the industry.

AWGN is immensely proud to work with Callaway as our official ball partner for 2024.

This collaboration brings together two organisations dedicated to women in sports and amplifies our shared commitment to sustainability in the world of golf.

Callaway Brands Sustainability

To read the full interview transcript and learn more about Callaway’s remarkable sustainability journey, we invite you to reach out to the team at AWGN. The interview is filled with valuable insights and showcases Callaway's deep dedication to fostering positive change and driving environmental stewardship within the industry. Together, we look forward to creating a more sustainable future for golf enthusiasts, local communities, and generations to come.