Introduction
I love playing golf because it’s a great way to relax and enjoy nature. But as I learned more about the environment, I realized that golf courses can have a big impact on the planet. Some use a lot of water, chemicals, and energy, which isn’t always good for the Earth.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Luckily, many golf courses are changing how they work. They’re using less water, planting native grass, protecting wildlife, and even using solar energy. These eco-friendly courses are making golf more sustainable while still offering a great experience.
In my blog, I’ll share some of the top 10 eco-friendly golf courses that every golfer should visit. They’re beautiful and good for the planet.
What makes a golf course eco-friendly
An eco-friendly golf course focuses on sustainability and protecting the environment. Here’s what makes them stand out:
- Water conservation: Using smart irrigation and recycled water to reduce waste.
- Native plants: Growing local plants that need less water and care.
- Fewer chemicals: Reducing or eliminating harmful pesticides and fertilizers.
- Renewable energy: Using solar power and other green energy sources.
- Wildlife protection: Creating habitats for local animals and protecting nature.
List of top eco-friendly golf courses to visit
The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island
Where it is: Kiawah Island, South Carolina, USA, right on the Atlantic coast.
Playing Cost: It can cost anywhere between $250 and $500, depending on the time of year and when you book.
Why it’s eco-friendly: The Ocean Course uses recycled water for irrigation, which helps conserve water. They also minimize the use of pesticides, which is great for the local environment. Plus, the course works hard to protect the natural coastal habitat, home to sea turtles and other wildlife.
Other Info: This course is famous for its stunning ocean views and has hosted major tournaments like the PGA Championship. It’s a tough but beautiful course that stays true to its natural surroundings.
Costa Rica’s Hacienda Pinilla
Where it is: Located in Guanacaste, Costa Rica, this course is nestled between tropical forests and the Pacific coastline.
Playing Cost: Green fees range from $150 to $250, depending on the season.
Why it’s eco-friendly: Hacienda Pinilla focuses on sustainability by using reclaimed water for irrigation and minimizing chemical use. The course is surrounded by protected forests and wildlife, contributing to conservation efforts in the area. They also use organic fertilizers and focus on preserving local plant and animal species.
Other Info: Known for its beautiful mix of jungle and ocean views, this course offers a unique golfing experience. It’s also part of a larger eco-conscious resort that emphasizes green practices throughout.
Mission Hills Haikou (Blackstone Course)
Where it is: Located in Haikou, Hainan Island, China.
Playing Cost: Approximately $150–$250, depending on the season.
Why it’s eco-friendly: The Blackstone Course is built on a 350-acre site featuring natural lava rock terrain, dense jungle, and wetlands. The design preserves the environment by integrating the lava rock into the course layout, minimizing land alteration, and protecting native vegetation.
Other Info: As one of the premier courses in China, the Blackstone Course offers dramatic elevation changes and scenic views. It’s recognized for its commitment to environmental sustainability and has hosted major tournaments like the Omega Mission Hills World Cup.
SentryWorld Golf Course
Where it is: Located in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, USA.
Playing Cost: Green fees range from $300 to $350, depending on the season and time of day.
Why it’s eco-friendly: SentryWorld incorporates sustainable practices by preserving natural landscapes and minimizing environmental impact. The course features native plantings and water-efficient landscaping, contributing to local biodiversity and reducing maintenance requirements.
Other Info: Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., SentryWorld is renowned for its “Flower Hole,” surrounded by 33,000 vibrant flowers. The course offers a fully inclusive experience, including on-course refreshment stations and GPS-equipped carts, enhancing the overall golfing experience.
Cape KidnappersÂ
Where it is: Located in Te Awanga, Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand.
Playing Cost: Green fees range from NZD $225 (winter) to NZD $950 (summer) for international visitors. Discounts are available for New Zealand and Australian residents.
Why it’s eco-friendly: Cape Kidnappers is part of a larger ecological restoration project known as Cape Sanctuary, which is New Zealand’s largest predator-proof fenced area. This sanctuary is home to endangered species like the kiwi and rifleman. The golf course itself is designed to blend harmoniously with the natural landscape, minimizing environmental impact.
Other Info: Designed by renowned architect Tom Doak, the course offers breathtaking views from its clifftop holes. It has been recognized as one of the great modern marvels in golf.
The Greenbrier (Old White TPC)
Where it is: White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, USA.
Playing Cost: Around $300 to $350, depending on the season.
Why it’s eco-friendly: The course uses native grasses and low-mow areas to save water and reduce maintenance. It’s designed to blend with the natural surroundings, helping protect local wildlife and plants.
Other Info: A historic course designed by Charles Blair Macdonald, the Old White TPC has hosted major tournaments and is known for its challenging layout and scenic beauty.
Terre BlancheÂ
Where it is: Situated in Tourrettes, a picturesque village in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region of southeastern France.
Playing Cost: Green fees range from €80 to €180, varying by season and time of day.
Why it’s eco-friendly: Terre Blanche has earned the GEO Certified® ecolabel, recognizing its commitment to sustainable practices. The resort employs organic and non-persistent products to protect the environment and users, utilizes dehydrated organic waste to create compost for its 301 hectares, and has implemented high-performance energy control gadgets and water go with the drift reducers on all its taps.
Other Info: Designed by Dave Thomas, the club features two 18-hole championship courses: Le Château and Le Riou. Le Château is open to the public, while Le Riou is exclusive to members and their guests.
Emirates Golf Club
Where it is: Located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, it’s one of the premier golf clubs in the region.
Playing Cost: Green fees generally range from AED 450 to AED 1,500, depending on the time of day and the season.
Why it’s eco-friendly: The club has implemented several sustainability practices including a solar-powered clubhouse, LED lighting, water conservation measures using treated sewage for irrigation, and reducing plastic usage. They also use drought-resistant grass and have solar panels on car park shades to offset energy requirements.
Other Info: Emirates Golf Club hosts major tournaments like the Dubai Desert Classic and has two world-class courses: the Majlis Course and the Faldo Course. The club is known for its luxurious facilities and stunning views of the Dubai skyline.
Bali National Golf Club
Where it is: Located in the luxurious Nusa Dua area on the southern coast of Bali, Indonesia.
Playing Cost: Green fees are around IDR 2,300,000 per player for individuals, with discounts available for groups.
Why it’s eco-friendly: Bali National Golf Club takes pride in its sustainable practices, such as using natural water sources for irrigation and incorporating native vegetation throughout the course. These efforts help preserve the stunning tropical landscape and minimize environmental impact.
Other Info: Designed by Nelson & Haworth, the course is known for its beautiful layout that incorporates natural elements like creeks, canyons, and tropical trees. The course offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and ocean, making it a true paradise for golf lovers.
Pinehurst No. 2
Where it is: Located in Pinehurst, North Carolina, this iconic golf course is one of the most famous in the U.S. and has hosted multiple U.S. Open Championships.
Playing Cost: Green fees can vary, so it’s best to check their official site for current rates, but typically they are on the higher side given the course’s prestige.
Why it’s eco-friendly: Pinehurst No. 2 underwent a major renovation focused on restoring the natural landscape. The design returned the course to its original state, with over 40 acres of turf replaced by native sand, pine straw, and wiregrass. This restoration significantly reduced water usage by 80%, and it eliminated the need for over 600 irrigation heads. These efforts made the course more water-efficient and environmentally sustainable.
Other Info: Designed by Donald Ross, the course is known for its challenging layout, featuring unique turtleback greens and stunning natural beauty. It’s a course that balances historic design with modern sustainability efforts.
How can golfers support sustainability?
Golfers can do a lot to protect nature while enjoying the game. Here are a few smooth approaches to help:
- Walk instead of using a cart: If you can, walk the course. It’s good exercise and better for the planet.
- Use a refillable water bottle: Bring your own bottle and fill it at water stations. This helps cut down on plastic waste.
- Keep the course clean: Always throw trash in the bin and leave the course as clean as you found it.
- Play at eco-friendly golf courses: Some golf courses work hard to protect nature. Playing there supports their good work.
- Respect animals and plants: Don’t bother birds, animals, or trees. Let them live safely in their space.
- Try eco-friendly golf gear: Some golf tees and balls are made from natural or recycled materials. Using them helps the planet.
- Talk to others about it: Tell your golf friends how they can help too. Small actions from many people make a big difference.
Conclusion
I love golf, and I know many others do too. But I also care about nature. That’s why I believe it’s important to play on courses that protect the environment and make better choices while we play. Walking more, using less plastic, and picking eco-friendly places can make a big difference. If we all do a little, we can help keep the game and the planet in great shape.
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