At around 17 years of age, Jorge was working as a lifeguard in Troia during the summer months. It was during this time that he discovered a new golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones that had opened nearby. The course quickly took his attention and his curiosity straight away. After a bit of research and a few rounds, he was immediately very interested in the sport. At that point, Jorge decided that he wanted to be involved in golf for the rest of his life.
After some years of studying, his first step into the golf industry started on the Portuguese Madeira Island in 1981. The first project he was involved in was the renovation of Golf Santo da Serra, this renovation saw the existing 9-hole facility remodelled into a modern 27 holes by Robert Trent Jones Senior. Jorge was chosen by the contractor to direct the earthmoving works on site and by the time the project was complete, he was invited to join the Robert Trent Jones team.
Jorge has been involved in the golf industry since then. Starting out on the construction side he learned his trade from the ground up and started to move into golf course design. Jorge started his own design firm in 1993 and continues to design golf courses on challenging and interesting sites around the world today.
For me, golf and sustainability work hand in hand together. Designing a sustainable golf course results in a good quality golf course. There is a mutual respect for the golfer and for the natural land.
Jorge Santana da Silva, EIGCA
Jorge was the head designer of the Ombria Resort golf course which achieved GEO Development status in 2019. The site was formally a fruit farm which through this project was transformed into 153 hectares of natural landscapes. A series of archaeological remains were found during the process which were incorporated into the design.
Some key highlights from the project include:
How well do you think the subject of sustainability and golf design can complement one another?
"I think sustainability should be a priority for every human being, in both their work and private life. Having said this, I think that good environmental care is the sign of a good golf project. As a golf Architect, sustainability is always on my mind and how my designs can solve issues around water consumption, the use of chemicals, the preservation of existing flora and fauna, while producing a fun and challenging golf course for the player. I think there are lots of synergies between the two.
What are some elements or processes you have included in your recent projects that you feel illustrate the integration of a sustainably led approach?
"I have spent a lot of time researching different grass varieties and how they react and thrive in different locations and climates. The use of well-suited grass can dramatically reduce water consumption of the golf course and can reduce the risk of disease, making maintenance easier. I would say that this is a key part of my design process, ensuring the best option is taken. I am also an advocate of preserving as much of the natural site as possible, why return something to its natural state when you can protect and preserve it.
Can you give us a few words on becoming a champion and what it means to you to be championing this kind of direction in the wider industry?
"Like I said earlier, I believe that environmental care should be a priority topic for all. I think that the GEO Foundation has a big role to play in inspiring all of us to reach our sustainability goals. To be recognised by them and invited to be a Sustainable Golf Champion is great. It shows my dedication to sustainability and gives me a boost to keep going with the confidence I have their support whenever I need it.
Find Jorge and his work at:
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