Golf in Flanders: a green oasis of sustainability and nature conservation

Many times the idea persists that golf is an environmentally unfriendly sport, a misconception perpetuated by ignorance and polarization. Empty phrases such as "green concrete" and "artificial nature" have found their way into the collective consciousness. In an effort to dispel these misconceptions and provide accurate information, we invite you to see golf for what it really is - a pioneer in sustainability.

As in our neighboring countries, golf in Flanders has emerged as a pioneer in sustainability within the sports world. Golf has always strived to develop and enhance nature on its courses, not only from a social interest, but also because lush flora and fauna attract golfers. 

The more beautiful the nature, the higher the job is rated.

Yes, golf courses do indeed take up considerable space (about 60 acres for 18 holes), but they serve as bastions against encroaching urbanization and building activities. The golf community has long carried the responsibility to not only protect but also enhance open space on golf courses. When new courses are built on former agricultural land, even new nature is created. Of the total 60 hectares, only 25 hectares are earmarked as playing surface, while the remaining space is taken up by water features and roughs where nature management takes place.

Orchids

Golf Flanders is committed to nature and environmentally friendly management. Besides the Kompas Sustainability and the international GEO label, Golf Flanders plays a pioneering role in the Green Deal Sport domains. 

This Green Deal recently published the Inspiration Guide Biodiversity, which includes Golf & Country Club De Palingbeek and Koksijde Golf ter Hille as shining examples. In Palingbeek, Ypres, flower meadows stand out, while golfer and birdwatcher Jan Flachet in Koksijde has compiled a beautiful book entitled 

A paradise for birds, about the bird wealth in Koksijde Golf ter Hille. Other inspiring initiatives include planting actions, bat projects, the establishment of miles of reedbeds, and grassland management resulting in various orchids. In short, every golf club strives to turn its roughs and outdoor playing areas into true natural gems. But even on the playing areas there is a commitment to environmentally friendly management with the use of appropriate grasses, circular water use and Integrated Pest Management to reduce pesticide use to zero. It is remarkable that only on the greens are pesticides sometimes used (1 hectare out of 60 hectares), and that many clubs manage to operate completely pesticide-free. 

Compared to monotonous agricultural practices and intensive approaches to some crops, golf course construction clearly appears to have a positive impact on biodiversity.

We cannot bring this article without expressing our appreciation to all greenkeepers active in the golf clubs. 

They are working day and night for sustainability, biodiversity and golf course maintenance. It is thanks to a professionalized sector that together, as golf ambassadors, we convey the right message: golf is not just a sport, but also an expression of commitment to sustainability and nature conservation.