De Hooge Rotterdamsche

Notable Observations

• Data-Led Course Naturalisation Substantial out-of-play areas are allowed to grow longer, reducing the amount of intensively managed turf. The club also uses player and course-use data from Golfer to identify rarely used areas where grass can be left longer without significantly affecting play.
• Creating Diverse Wildlife Habitat Habitat features include longer roughs and biozones, seeded flower areas, nest boxes, ongoing tree planting and insect hotels made from reused roofing material. The club also works with Rotta on bird-box placement, including a dedicated approach for owl and kestrel boxes.
• Protecting Wildlife During Maintenance Roughs and banks are not mown during the breeding season without checks for wildlife. Staff walk ahead and inspect long vegetation before cutting, helping reduce disturbance to protected species during maintenance.
• Precision Irrigation Management Irrigation has moved from broad timer-based watering to a more targeted approach using an app, moisture measurements for individual greens and recently installed Toro Lynx control software. The club deliberately reduces irrigation to establish the lowest level possible without compromising turf quality, and states that mains water is not used for course irrigation.
• Electric and Robotic Course Management Electric robotic mowers now maintain approximately 42,000 m² (4.2 hectares) of the course. An electric ball collector is also being tested as a potential alternative to several hours of diesel-tractor use each week, while infrastructure has been installed for 12 EV charging points, with 6–8 currently active.
• Improved Wash-Water Management More than €10,000 has recently been invested in oil, grease and machinery wash-water handling. Wash water is filtered and collected in a holding tank before being removed by a certified local partner for discharge to sewer, while machinery is first blown clean to reduce the amount of water required for washing.
• Nature and Practical Education Partnerships The club works actively with Rotta on bird boxes, nature knowledge, bird courses and exclusive local nature visits for members. It also works with a nearby MBO horticultural school six times each year, providing practical sports-field management days for students.
• Engaging People with Nature and Sustainability Sustainability is communicated through the website, on-site information, insect hotels, bird boxes and a bird-species poster, with staff and members also involved through courses and nature walks. An NGF barefoot-path and nature event attracted approximately 130 registrations, providing another way to engage people with the natural environment around the course.

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“De Hooge Rotterdamsche has embedded sustainability in the organisation by making it part of “business as usual”. The club manager, facilities manager and head greenkeeper each contribute to this within their own role and area of responsibility, with one shared objective in mind: to make one of the most intensively played golf courses in the Netherlands valuable and engaging for both people and nature.”

Guido Hamelink (GEO accredited independent verifier)