DRIFT Travel magazine

THE ECO SIDE OF GOLF

- BY: NATACHA EL AZAR

Golf Courses Are Pitching In

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.

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 green-keepers: 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.

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