Written by: Anneliek van der Bilt
2021
In the context of OnCourse and the pursuit of using only natural pesticides, Groningse Golfclub Duurswold tackles the leatherette problem on the greens as follows. Firstly, nematodes are used, in addition, 4 “starling hotels” which are located at the practice green and placed elsewhere on the course near the greens.
We have provided long wooden posts with several nesting boxes suitable for starlings. The birdhouses are made of wood from a demolished shed, they have been given beautiful Art Deco colours, and the posts are firmly anchored in the ground. Because we border on the nature reserve "Roegwold", our track is very rich in birdlife. For the starlings, there is no housing shortage for the time being and we hope to keep the leatherette problem under control!
