The Members Golf Club at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota has been designated as a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary for its protection of native wildife and natural habitat.

Just two months after The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota received its Florida Green Lodging certification, The Members Golf Club at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota—the property’s 18-hole championship golf course designed by renowned golf course architect Tom Fazio—has been designated as a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary through the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses, an Audubon International program.

To reach certification, a course must demonstrate that it is maintaining a high degree of environmental quality in key environmental areas—Wildlife and Habitat Management, Chemical Use Safety and Reduction, Water Conservation, Water Quality Management and Outreach & Education. " Ritz-Carlton Members Golf Club has shown a strong commitment to its environmental program. said Jim Sluiter, Staff Ecologist for the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Programs. "They are to be commended for their efforts to provide a sanctuary for wildlife on the golf course property."

The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota offers—18,000 square feet of indoor meeting space in its conference center; a variety of outdoor venues accommodating up to 1,200 guests.

The Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for golf courses, endorsed by the United States Golf Association, seeks to address environmental concerns related to the potential and actual impacts of water consumption and chemical use on local water sources, wildlife species and native habitats. The efforts to obtain sanctuary status were led by Nicholas von Hofen, Course Superintendent, who was also recognized by Audubon International

for Environmental Stewardship. "Our facility acts not only as a world-class private golf course, but is also an arboretum and nature preserve," said Hofen. "The 16 man-made lakes on the 320-acre property have attracted various species previously unknown to the area. Over 50 different birds have been identified and over 15 animals including alligator, fox and bobcat. The landscaping around golf course is a cornucopia of tree and plant life, with over 110 different species being documented and more being noted each week."

"Our facility acts not only as a world-class private golf course, but is also an arboretum and nature preserve," said Nicholas von Hofen, Course Superintendent. "The landscaping around golf course is a cornucopia of tree and plant life, with over 110 different species being documented and more being noted each week."

In addition to its stunning golf course, it’s Members Spa and Members Beach Club, The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota offers—18,000 square feet of indoor meeting space in its conference center; a variety of outdoor venues accommodating up to 1,200 guests; seven comfortable meeting rooms; an Executive Boardroom; Pre-function area, and the Ritz-Carlton Member Beach Club offers event facilities directly on the Gulf shore.