Beyond Green: driving sustainability and socio-economic development.
Golf in Spain trascends its sporting significance by becoming a driving force for sustainability and development. Objective and rigorous data from research and reports supported by the industry show the substantial contribution of Spanish golf in social, economic and environmental terms.
As certified by the report “Golf as a catalyst for economic activity in Spain” by the IE University, updated in 2024, we are a leading golf tourism destination. This activity boosts local and national economy by generating direct and indirect employment and promoting quality services that benefit the entire community.
For more than 30 years, golf courses have been at the forefront of sustainable practices. Advanced technologies have been implemented such as smart irrigation systems and reclaimed water, as well as the introduction of turf varieties which require fewer inputs (fertility, water use). These practices have led to a more efficient management of natural resources and a significant reduction in environmental impact, as illustrated by the study on the correlation between golf courses and water use conducted in collaboration with the University of Cádiz.
In addition, the first study on carbon footprint on golf courses is underway. These thorough, objective studies shed light in the face of voices that have been questioning golf for years.
In short, golf in Spain is more than just a healthy sport or an outdoor leisure activity; It also exemplifies commitment to sustainability and socio-economic development. This holistic approach to triple sustainability ̶ social, economic and environmental ̶ has made it stand both as a management model and a catalyst for positive social change.
Environmental indicators
These include fundamental issues in golf course sustainability strategy, such as: water management, energy consumption, mobility, biodiversity, use of materials and waste collection.
Social indicators
These include health-related issues in sports, staff training for the development of professional skills, creating healthy working environments and promoting golf for the general public.
Economy and good governance indicators
These reflect the economic and overall impact of the actions taken by golf courses in order to promote their activity in a competitive and sustainable way while benefiting their environment.