In a significant stride towards sustainability, Golf Saudi has proudly announced the certification of four of its golf courses by the GEO Foundation for Sustainable Golf.
This commendable achievement underscores the nation’s dedication to the sport’s environmental, economic, and social aspects, as outlined in its National Golf Sustainability Strategy.
The certified clubs, Dirab Golf & Country Club, Riyadh Golf Club, and Royal Greens Golf & Country Club in Riyadh and Jeddah respectively, have pledged to uphold international standards of sustainability and embark on a journey of continuous improvement over the next three years.
Additionally, Safaa Golf Club, situated within the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), has become the first private golf facility in Saudi Arabia to earn this esteemed certification in collaboration with the KAUST Environmental Management Department.
Golf Saudi’s comprehensive National Golf Sustainability Strategy, initiated in 2020, has been instrumental in fostering an innovative culture and ambitious outlook within the golfing community.
By guiding clubs through a set of continual improvement points, the strategy aims to elevate sustainable practices across the country, focusing on biodiversity conservation, resource efficiency, community engagement, and climate action.
His Excellency Yasir O. Al-Rumayyan, Chairman of Golf Saudi and the Saudi Golf Federation expressed his pride in the achievement, emphasizing the organization’s steadfast commitment to sustainability and its alignment with Saudi Vision 2030.
Jonathan Smith, Founder and Executive Director of GEO Foundation commended Golf Saudi’s progress in implementing the national sustainability strategy, emphasizing the pivotal role of these certified facilities in driving sustainable golf practices forward.
Each certified club has implemented various sustainability initiatives tailored to its unique environment.
Safaa Golf Club, for instance, engages local school children in biodiversity education and employs eco-friendly practices such as manual weeding and biological pest control.
Dirab Golf & Country Club has reduced turfgrass areas and replaced non-native trees with species requiring less water, while Riyadh Golf Club focuses on water conservation and habitat preservation.
Similarly, Royal Greens Golf & Country Club has adopted measures to reduce turf areas, enhance irrigation efficiency, and promote sustainable procurement and waste reduction.
By utilizing the OnCourse Saudi digital platform provided by GEO Foundation, these clubs will continue to monitor and reduce their carbon footprint, further advancing the goals outlined in the National Golf Sustainability Strategy.
The certification of these Saudi golf courses marks a significant milestone in the journey towards a more sustainable future for the sport, reflecting Golf Saudi’s unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship, community engagement, and innovation.
For more information on Golf Saudi and its sustainability initiatives, visit www.golfsaudi.com.
