Golf Club Arosa

Notable Observations

• Alpine Biodiversity and Landscape Integration The course sits high in the Swiss Alps and is seamlessly integrated into the mountain landscape. Roughs and meadows host alpine plant species, and deer, marmots, foxes, and hares are regularly seen on the course — a clear sign of ecological balance
• Grazing Partnerships with Local Farmers Sheep and cows graze the roughs under long-standing agreements with local farmers. This traditional arrangement limits mowing needs, preserves the natural meadow character, and connects golf with regional agriculture
• Natural Habitats and Wildlife Shelters Over 20 brushwood piles have been created to shelter mammals and amphibians, alongside five insect hotels and twenty bird boxes installed with a local nature protection association. These simple, effective features strengthen local biodiversity
• Gravity-Fed Irrigation System Irrigation water descends by gravity from an upper lake, eliminating pumping energy use. Sprinklers are installed only on greens, and fairways are watered by hose only when necessary — an extremely efficient mountain setup
• Renewable Energy and EV Infrastructure The club’s electricity comes almost entirely from hydropower. Solar panels are planned for the clubhouse roof renovation, and EV chargers are already being installed in the parking area — all powered by local renewable energy
• New Sustainable Maintenance Facility A recently built maintenance facility features modern materials, sealed flooring, bunded storage for fuels, an oil separator for the wash area, LED lighting with motion sensors, and efficient insulation — setting a benchmark for energy efficiency in alpine conditions
• Tourism and Local Access Initiatives Through agreements with local hotels and the tourist office, guests receive free driving range vouchers. This partnership opens golf to new audiences and promotes Arosa’s tourism economy year-round
• Charity Tournament for Animal Welfare Each season ends with a charity tournament supporting a nearby organisation that rescues bears from circuses and zoos, giving them a second life in nature. This is a creative link between sport, compassion, and wildlife protection

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“Golf Club Arosa is a beautiful course seamlessly integrated into the surrounding Alpine landscape, with numerous unique alpine plant species in its roughs and surroundings. This is an example of integration and sustainability where every evening it is easy to enjoy the presence of deer, marmots, young foxes, or hares around the course. They are aware of the need to do things better every day and proof of this is the new maintenance facility construction which was recently open, where the latest qualities and technologies have been installed. This is a great example in energy efficiency and sustainability. This is an interesting facility different from the conventional golf club, which actively attracts and promotes golf in the region. All of the above are creating awareness and education within the community, staff and membership.”

Hector Forcen (GEO accredited independent verifier)