Domburgsche Golfclub

Notable Observations

• Conserving a Nationally Important Dune System The course makes up almost two-thirds of the Berrow Dunes SSSI and supports over 240 of the 272 plant species recorded. Historic and ongoing management by the club has been crucial in conserving rare habitats and species like the lizard orchid
• Rare Species Monitoring and Growth Annual surveys by a local botanist track priority species, with data submitted to the national Bio Records Centre. Populations of rare plants, including orchids and club rush, are increasing thanks to habitat management
• Protecting Cultural Heritage in the Landscape Scrub management has restored visibility of historic WWII pillboxes, while the club also supports the preservation of a 13th-century church on its northern boundary. These actions link conservation with cultural heritage
• Advanced Water Management A modern Toro irrigation system with new energy-efficient pumps, weather station, and soil moisture meters ensures water is applied precisely. A large reservoir and licensed abstractions provide resilience during droughts
• New Maintenance Facility The rebuilt greenkeeping complex includes bunded fuel tanks, a closed-loop washdown system, spill kits, modern welfare spaces for men and women, and LED lighting—bringing operations up to best practice standards
• Reducing Single-Use Plastics and Waste Plastic bottles have been replaced by refill stations, refillable toiletries are used across facilities, and larger fertiliser packaging has cut plastic waste. Old materials are creatively reused, such as pelmets repurposed as shelving
• Strong Charity and Volunteer Culture The captain’s charity raised over £30,000 in a single year for the RNLI, while members support beach cleaning, junior coaching, and volunteered in large numbers for The Open Final Qualifying. This culture strengthens ties with the wider community
• Inclusive and Accessible Golf The club is gender-neutral with no membership restrictions, offers reduced rates for disabled players, has installed a clubhouse stair lift, and provides programmes like “Love Golf” and low-cost coaching to encourage participation for all

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“The Domburgsche is a unique links course in the Dutch context, located in the coastal dune ridge. Despite its relatively small size, the course provides a home for golfers, plants and wildlife. For more than 25 years, the organization has been committed to sustainability certification. What stood out most to me this year is the dedication of the head greenkeeper and the course committee to the continuous optimisation of course quality with a strong focus on sustainability. Using less water, minimal fertilisation and limited interventions are the guiding principles here. This approach brings challenges, but above all ensures continuity and serves as an inspiring example for many other golf courses. Anyone wishing to see how sustainable turf management can be achieved with limited financial means should visit the Domburgsche — and don’t forget your clubs, because from the first tee it’s just you, the ball and the course. I look forward to seeing how this philosophy will continue to inspire other clubs in the years ahead.”

Guido Hamelink (GEO accredited independent verifier)