A HARDEN sports turf research firm is staging its annual Golf Environment Awards.

STRI, based on the St Ives estate, organises the venture to recognise clubs and individuals for environmental best practice.

Earlier this year, the company's ecology consultants Bob Taylor and Rowan Rumball visited more than 30 entrants.

Now a 17-strong shortlist of finalists, including one from Switzerland, has been drawn-up.

And winners will be announced in a glittering awards ceremony at Harrogate on January 23.

Mr Rumball said: "This is my first year managing the awards and it has been a fantastic, but challenging, experience.

"It's been humbling and such a privilege to see first-hand all the good work golf clubs are striving to achieve.

"The range of projects has been massively diverse, and the scale is inspiring.

"Golf is truly leading the way when it comes to ecological and environmental commitment.

"The awards provide the platform from which the golf industry can demonstrate environmental excellence in all its forms."

For more details about the awards, visit golfenvironmentawards.com.