Golf Club Margara

Notable Observations

• Open Landscape for Wildlife The golf courses, internal woodland and surrounding agricultural land are largely unfenced, allowing wildlife to move freely across almost the entire property. Around 58% of the property is natural green space and woodland that is not subject to routine maintenance.
• Minimal Chemical Intervention Chemical treatments are used only occasionally on tees and greens for specific disease or insect issues. Over the past three years, areas receiving these treatments have represented less than 2% of the Club's total surface area, with buffer zones also maintained around lakes, waterways and other sensitive areas.
• Testing Climate-Adapted Turf Over the past three years, the Superintendent has trialled both seeded Bermuda grass and hybrid Bermuda grass on two holes, with positive results. The trials explore alternatives to the more water- and input-demanding Agrostis traditionally used on the course.
• Data-Led Irrigation Management Irrigation records are reviewed monthly, with evapotranspiration data and weather conditions used to inform scheduling. Staff also monitor the irrigation system during operation to identify malfunctions, while irrigation water comes from shallow wells rather than the municipal potable water supply.
• Local Supply Chains Many course materials and fertilisers are sourced from a local agricultural consortium only a few kilometres away. The bar and restaurant also use local distributors, helping showcase food and wine products from the Monferrato region.
• Strong Recycling Performance More than 70% of waste produced is recycled through the municipal collection system, with paper, glass and plastic virtually entirely recycled. Paper and catering goods are also largely compostable or recyclable.
• Significant Charity and Volunteer Support Around a dozen charitable events are organised each year, including exhibitions, meals and golf tournaments. These activities generate approximately €50,000 annually for charitable causes and involve around 500 volunteer hours.
• A Resource for the Local Community The club works closely with the Municipality of Fubine, providing spaces for cultural and social initiatives and hosting events celebrating local food and wine. Its wider facilities are also made available to local residents at affordable rates.

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“As highlighted during previous certifications (2019 and 2022), the Club has implemented unwritten procedures to reduce environmental impacts at all levels. In terms of course management, everything possible is being done to make turf maintenance as sustainable as possible. Further progress could only be made with significant investments in the implementation of an irrigation system for both courses and energy supply via solar panels. Converting the fairway turf to hybrid Bermuda grass could significantly contribute to water savings. Tests conducted over the past three years have yielded positive results. Now it's up to the owners to raise the necessary funds. As we wrote the club is a family business, and therefore, such interventions would need to be managed with personal funds. For this reason, even with genuine intentions, decision-making times are rather lengthy.”

Paolo Croce (GEO accredited independent verifier)