John Pagano, Group CEO of Red Sea Global, a Saudi government-sponsored development on the west coast of Saudi Arabia that includes an 18-hole golf course called Shura Links, discusses the need for the golf industry to continue its evolution. adopting sustainable practices when it comes to golf course development and maintenance
Golf is a sport highly valued for its rich culture and community-building potential, providing health benefits and a unique connection with nature. It's growing fast. According to industry body R&A, the game has gained 10 million players since 2016, pushing the number of golfers in the category to 39.6 million in R&A affiliated markets. Despite this growth, golf is facing serious environmental challenges that require new solutions.
Golf courses have traditionally been considered expansive and carefully maintained green spaces that consume large amounts of water and soil, often in areas where these resources are scarce. The game is also facing criticism for its use of chemicals and energy, which contributes to the public perception that it may not be in line with modern environmental standards.
As industry leaders, we must address these challenges by integrating sustainability into all aspects of golf course design, development, and management, demonstrating that enjoying the game while preserving our planet for future generations is possible.
The sport has seen a dramatic rise in recent years, as countries beyond the traditionalists, the US and Europe, have seen a significant increase in interest and participation.
This has been inspired by strategic initiatives to make the sport more accessible, such as those of the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund, which focuses on transforming golf into a sport that is inclusive and attracts players of all levels. The award brought a new wave of enthusiasts and a renewed focus on making sports more inclusive and diverse.
Sustainable Practices
As the global golf community grows, the focus on sustainable practices becomes more critical and emerges as a basis for design and performance. The industry has introduced innovative solutions, such as using drought-resistant grasses, efficient irrigation systems, and high-tech equipment such as soil sensors and drones to improve water management and maintain healthy turf.
Courses are increasingly using water-efficient irrigation systems, such as those seen at the famous Pebble Beach Golf Links in California, which use recycled water for irrigation to significantly reduce freshwater use.
The use of native plant species is another growing trend. For example, the US-based Audubon Cooperative Golf Sanctuary Program promotes native landscaping that supports local wildlife and reduces the need for pesticides and fertilizers.
Designing buildings that preserve natural areas is also important. For example, Streamsong Resort in Florida is designed to blend in with its surroundings, preserving existing fauna and flora while minimizing land disturbance. These practices are becoming the norm, driven by environmental demand and consumer demand for responsible recreation.
Technological Advances
Technological advances are critical to the transition to sustainable golf practices. GPS devices and mobile applications are now commonly used to improve golf course management by improving maintenance methods and resource utilization. For example, the Toro Company offers GPS-guided sprayers that apply chemicals only where needed, greatly reducing the amount used and reducing runoff into the environment.
Similarly, mobile apps like the Rain Bird app allow course managers to control irrigation systems remotely, adjusting watering schedules based on real-time weather data to avoid over-watering. Cloud-based management systems enable institutions to integrate data across various functions, improving efficiency and reducing waste.
Putting Policies Forward
Beyond technology, the golf industry has also taken great strides in developing sustainable design and management policies. The Environmental Principles of Golf Courses in the United States offer comprehensive sustainable management strategies, focusing on water conservation, reducing chemical use, and maintaining wildlife habitats. Similarly, the Golf Environment Organization (GEO) is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting sustainability in the golf industry.
The GEO Guidelines for Sustainable Golf Development provide a solid framework for new projects. They emphasize the integration of studies within their natural environments and minimizing environmental impact through thoughtful site selection and sustainable building practices. These guidelines are essential to designing golf courses that respect and enhance the environment.
From policy formulation to implementation, the Sustainable Golf Renewal Guidelines highlight an important area for course development. The document encourages existing facilities to use sustainable practices, such as retrofitting irrigation systems for better water management and using native plants to reduce maintenance requirements and support local biodiversity.
New Trends in Shura Links
At Red Sea Global, we recently announced the designs and plans for our golf course, Shura Links, an 18-hole golf course in Saudi Arabia. Designed by the renowned Schmidt-Curley Design, it aims to set new standards in golf course sustainability, including being powered 100% by renewable energy. Curley's design minimizes environmental impact while delivering a high quality golf experience.
Key to our approach is to drastically reduce water use, which is a major concern in dry areas, and use recycled water. By carefully selecting turfgrass that needs less water and using soil sensors, we ensure good moisture management, significantly reducing water pollution. This system complements the irrigation scheme that operates on the course and supports the nearby mangrove forests, helping to accelerate their growth and sustain the biodiversity of the area.
In addition, Shura Links adopts a zero weed policy. We use foliar feeding techniques that increase nutrient uptake and improve soil health and stability while preventing runoff. By reducing the maintained grass areas – only 20% of the 140-hectare site – and using irregular turf lines and alternating beaches, the course mimics the surrounding dunes. This design philosophy minimizes the environment and improves the visual experience and playability, giving each golfer a unique connection with nature.
By complying with and exceeding the standards set by GEO, we ensure that Shura Links sets an example for future development worldwide. Our partnership with Golf Saudi further enhances our ability to maintain these standards, ensuring that all aspects of Shura Links are aligned with our ultimate vision of sustainability and luxury.
As we look forward to opening Shura Links next year, we see the future of golf striking a balance between improving the game's accessibility and reducing its environmental impact. We go the extra mile to ensure that whatever we do, we do it with innovation at its core. We have to go above and beyond to develop the properties we develop, whether it's luxury resorts or beautiful golf courses. We invite the global community to join us on this exciting journey to the green, the most inclusive of golf.
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