The Swiss Golfclub Breitenloo has taken a significant step forward by becoming the first club in Central Europe to collaborate with The R&A Sustainable Agronomy Service, engaging in the R&A Sustainable Agronomy ‘Venue’ premium support agreement to enhance sustainable practices.
What excited me most about this news was the progress they have made so far in promoting sustainability, which deserves this partnership.
Now I will summarize the period between the last three years (2022-2025):
- Golfclub Breitenloo is GEO Certified (valid through November 2025) — the latest verification was done in 2022 by an independent auditor.
- In 2025, Breitenloo installed a 19 kW photovoltaic (PV) system on the clubhouse roof.
- The club also monitors its energy use with software, enabling more efficient management of consumption.
- During 2020–21, Breitenloo carried out a major irrigation optimization project, using advanced engineering (an “Irrigation Engineer”) to reduce water usage.
- Their system now utilizes moisture sensors and is linked to a weather station, which helps them irrigate more precisely, preventing over-watering.
- A new biotope (wetland/pond) was renovated and made into a formal nature reserve.
- They also planted native shrubs and trees, and restored wildflower meadows around the wetlands, all to boost ecological value.
- On the course, they continue to maintain naturalized roughs, wildflower meadows, and other less-manicured zones to support biodiversity.
- They track and responsibly manage hazardous materials (like pesticides) — storing them properly and disposing of them via licensed contractors.
Héctor Forcén, Senior Agronomist for Central Europe at The R&A, will lead the collaboration with Golfclub Breitenloo.
He will be supported by Paul Woodham, The R&A’s Sustainable Agronomy Lead for Europe and GB&I, and Richard Windows, Assistant Director – Sustainable Agronomy Services.