Golf Club Domat/Ems

Golf Club Domat/Ems

Domat/Ems, Switzerland

Sustainable Golf Pledge

We are committed to social and environmental responsibility, in and through golf.

We recognize the importance of playing our part to protect and restore nature, conserve resources, take climate action and strengthen communities.

We will seek to use our reach to raise awareness and positive action amongst golfers, partners and the wider public.

We will make an important difference, and help golf become a valued leader in sustainability.

GEO Certified

Through becoming GEO Certified we have achieved the most widely regarded and credible sustainability distinction in golf.  The international certification was earned after successfully meeting the industry-standard best practices and demonstrating our commitment to make sustainability of central importance to our golf facility.  We're proud of our social and environmental value - and looking forward to doing even more on our sustainability journey.

2025, for renewal 2028

Notable Observations

  • Biodiversity Assessment and Enhancement Plan in Place A biodiversity assessment has been completed, including habitat mapping, identification of key habitats and species, and defined target species. A structured biodiversity enhancement plan is in place, although integration into routine management is still ongoing.
  • Diverse Habitat Mosaic Supporting Regional Species The course contains a mix of habitats including water bodies, meadows, hedgerows and structured landscape features (tumas). These support species of regional importance such as amphibians, reptiles and farmland birds.
  • Bird Nest Box Installation Across the Site A total of 42 bird nest boxes have been installed across the course by the canton. These form part of the site’s existing habitat features and biodiversity support measures.
  • Turfgrass Variety Trial on Practice Green A trial is being conducted on the practice green to evaluate three Agrostis stolonifera mixtures (007, 007XL, Crystal Blue). This is being assessed under local conditions.
  • Targeted Chemical Use Based on Scouting The course is regularly monitored for pests and diseases, with routine scouting and diagnosis guiding decisions. Chemical applications are applied only where necessary and targeted to identified problem areas.
  • Wash Area Wastewater Managed and Treated Wastewater from the wash area is handled on an impermeable surface and treated using an oil separator. Discharge is controlled in line with local requirements, although updated approvals were not available.
  • Public Access via Facilities and Footpath The site includes a restaurant and seminar rooms that are open to the public. A public hiking path runs through the course, providing access for the wider community.
  • Local Access and Youth Engagement Initiatives Residents benefit from reduced green fees, and programmes such as “Ferienpass” provide access for school students. Introductory activities are offered to support engagement.
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“The Golf Club Domat/Ems demonstrates a strong commitment to environmental stewardship, supported by a solid ecological foundation and recent biodiversity planning efforts. The course benefits from a diverse landscape with high natural potential, particularly in relation to aquatic habitats and species conservation. The key opportunity now lies in translating this knowledge into consistent, practical implementation—through clear mapping, documentation and integration into daily management. With these steps, the club is well positioned to achieve a high standard of sustainable golf course management.”

Ludwig Gloecklhofer (GEO accredited independent verifier)
GEO Certified Reports

Location