Sustainability is an ever-growing necessity in today’s world and golf courses are joining the global movement
In 2018, Forbes stated that 9 million tons of plastic infiltrate the ocean every year. With this in mind, golf courses all over the world are making conscious decisions to eliminate plastic. From the preservation of wildlife to promoting a low-carbon future, the golf community is making more and more changes to contribute to the worldwide movement to put the environment first.
“An understanding of the natural world is a source of not only great curiosity but great fulfillment.” – Sir David Attenborough, renowned biologist
Arabella Golf Mallorca, Spain
Arabella Golf Mallorca is one of the only golf courses in Spain with official sustainability certifications. This can be seen from their extensive environmental plan to go plastic-free and reduce water consumption! By providing mineralized water fountains on the course, fellow golfers can use refillable water bottles to quench their thirst during their round.
Al Hamra Golf Club, Ras Al Khaimah
Al Hamra Golf Club is the first golf club in the Middle East to go fully plastic-free! By eliminating plastic items and introducing high-quality water filtration solutions, Al Hamra sets a new industry standard and joins the global movement to conserve the environment.
Osprey Point at Kiawah Island Resort, US
Following a full renovation in 2014, Osprey Point’s playing surfaces are made up of Paspalum – a low maintenance turf grass which improves water management. This type of grass leads to the use of natural groundwater without having to add chemicals or other treatments. Thus, all courses in Kiawah Island Resort take environmental protection seriously!
Mission Hills Haikou, China
The world’s largest golf resort implements sustainable measures and is committed to promoting low-carbon, ecology, and environmental protection. Initiatives include the use of solar golf carts, artificial lakes to collect rainwater for future irrigation, waste management practices and the list goes on.
Sentosa Golf Club, Singapore
Sentosa Golf Club (SGC) sets the benchmark for all golf courses around the world. Initiatives range from the recycling of rainwater and the use of bio-friendly products to lithium-ion buggies and reducing their plastic footprint. What’s more, SGC conducts exchange sessions with local golf clubs to share their experience to revolutionize Singapore’s golf industry!
Emirates Golf Club, Dubai
Emirates Golf Club promotes sustainable measures by transitioning towards a low-carbon future and enhancing energy savings. As one of the latest destinations to house the EV Green Chargers in the city, golfers can leave their cars to charge whilst playing a round! Moreover, the club is the first in the region to stimulate daylight to create a unique night golf experience with LED light technology.
Silver Lakes Golf & Wildlife Estate, South Africa
Evidently from the name of the course, Silver Lakes is home to a variety of birds and wildlife – floating islands have even been installed to create more breeding space! Additionally, recyclable waste, organic fertilizers, and the use of variable speed drive (to improve water consumption) all make up Silver Lakes’ efforts in conserving the environment.
Laguna Golf Lang Co, Vietnam
Laguna Golf Lang Co stays at the top of its maintenance game by utilizing a unique group of greenkeepers: water buffalos. From bio-mowers to protecting the traditional Vietnamese landscape by eating excess weeds, these buffalos play an important role at the golf course – sustainably and innovatively.
Handara Golf Resort, Bali
The Handara Green Initiative invites guests to partake in a Green Lifestyle by contributing to the preservation of the natural environment on the course. This includes guests harvesting their salads from Handara’s own vegetable garden! Furthermore, sustainability measures comprise of the reduction of energy/water consumption and waste management.
Troia Golf, Portugal
One thing that differentiates Troia Golf from the rest of the golf courses is its biodiversity. With over 600 species present in the peninsula, Troia is a haven for wildlife. Since each species has a significant role to play in the ecosystem, the conservation of the environment is a priority at Troia Golf.
