5 eco-friendly golf courses around the world

The thrill of the game and its breathtaking scenery certainly make golf an enjoyable watch. But the upkeep of manicured lawns, pristine hedges and perfect rows of flowers can leave a sizable footprint on the environment.

We look at five clubs which have adopted sustainable practices to reduce their impact on the planet, while still keeping their courses spectacular and players happy.

1. Sentosa Golf Club – Singapore
Named the World’s Best Eco-Friendly Golf Facility in 2020, this prestigious spot continues to develop innovative ways to reduce its impact on the environment, through its sustainability and maintenance programme. From self-irrigating greens, to on-site bee colonies and a ban on single-use plastic, it’s certainly leading the way. It’s also made a commitment to support other clubs around the world in adopting sustainable practices.

2. Arabella Golf Mallorca - Spain
This sun-drenched Mediterranean club ticks many a sustainability box and has been awarded the EMAS (Eco-Management and Audit Scheme), the highest European environmental certificate you can get. Its commitment to improve its environmental performance has seen it slash its emission rates. It keeps four luxury courses across Spain well hydrated with regenerated water, uses renewable energy sources and recycles all plastic. Top marks.

3. Troia Golf - Portugal
One of Portugal’s most challenging and engaging courses, it’s just as much a home to animal lovers as it is golf enthusiasts. Among its impressive biodiversity credentials, over 600 species have been listed at the resort - including over 100 different birds. It’s probably worth bringing your binoculars along if you fancy a bit of spotting as well as enjoying a few rounds.
  


  
4. Emirates Golf Club – Dubai
A high-tech irrigation system won this Dubai based club the Efficient Use of Resources Award in 2015, with 100% recycled water use. The club’s turf was also changed to adapt to the new water supply. Other sustainable measures include a programme to minimise the areas requiring high maintenance which has seen many environmental benefits. 

5. Coventry Golf Club – England
This Midlands club became England’s first GEO Certified® base in 2012, in honour of its sustainability credentials. Working in partnership with the Warwickshire Wildlife Trust to protect and enhance a range of habitats on the course, it also boasts several water reduction like a computerised irrigation system. Motion sensors help cut back on energy consumption and all waste is recycled.