Greens in Regulation: Biodiversity Strategy Implementation Across the Golf Industry

ABSTRACT Although much of the business and biodiversity literature focuses on extractive industries, we turn our attention to the golf industry. Golf courses occupy millions of acres globally, yet biodiversity strategy implementation across the golf industry remains understudied. We examine biodiversity initiatives across three segments: golf courses, equipment manufacturers, and professional tours. Using AI‐assisted qualitative content analysis of 543 passages from 152 sustainability documents, we apply frameworks from Panwar et al. and Boiral and Heras‐Saizarbitoria to assess temporal–spatial and organizational dimensions of biodiversity actions. Results reveal overwhelming emphasis on conservation strategies (62.2%) and internal approaches (77.9%), with minimal offsetting mechanisms (4.4%). Certified courses demonstrate substantive technical implementation; manufacturers favor symbolic partnerships; tours leverage episodic tournament visibility. These patterns expose a visibility paradox where elite venues generate industry‐wide legitimacy while everyday facilities lag. Findings extend biodiversity governance scholarship beyond extractive industries, revealing unique challenges for sectors where production and conservation occur simultaneously, with implications for practice, policy, and research in land‐intensive leisure industries.