Golf Club de Sion

Notable Observations

• Orchard Heritage and Native Replanting The course still features traditional pear trees from its orchard origins, and diseased ones are being replaced with native species of high ecological value. This preserves local heritage while strengthening biodiversity
• Naturalised Roughs and Grazing Sheep Large areas of rough have been naturalised, creating refuges for wildlife. In some zones, sheep will be used to graze and manage roughs, reducing mowing needs while enriching habitat diversity
• Beaver and Duck Habitats The canal area maintained by local authorities supports beavers, while uncut zones around lakes provide nesting areas for ducks. These deliberate choices integrate wildlife into the golf landscape
• Gravity-Fed Irrigation System The club’s irrigation is powered by gravity from a hillside tank, delivering water without pumping and saving significant energy. Efficiency is further improved with moisture sensors and upgraded software
• New Eco-Friendly Facilities The new clubhouse was built with the latest energy-efficient materials and solar panels providing all hot water needs. On the course, a pioneering toilet system operates without water or electricity
• Compost Sharing with Members Greenkeepers compost vegetation for landscaping, and the surplus is made available for members to take home for their gardens—turning course by-products into a valued community resource
• Pear Harvest Tradition Each year, members join greenkeepers to harvest pears from the old orchard trees and make pear liqueur. This convivial event connects members, staff, and the course’s agricultural heritage
• Fundraising for Sustainability Together with a local bank, the club launched a fundraising programme that raised CHF 20,000 in its first edition. Funds are dedicated to new sustainability projects on the course, embedding community partnership into environmental progress

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“Golf Club de Sion is a professionally managed facility, valuable for the community, the golfers, and visitors. The team at Golf Club Sion have been improving environmental management practices during the last years with diverse projects including habitat creation, wildflower meadows and naturalized roughs. They are aware of the need to do things better every day. Proof of this is the new clubhouse construction that recently opened, where the latest qualities and technologies have been installed. This is a great example in energy efficiency and sustainability, with solar panels producing the necessary energy to heat the water for buildings and restaurant consumption. I look forward to seeing the results of the new maintenance facility buildings and the new water measurement and control project developed together with local authorities. I am sure these will bring numerous advances in sustainability and energy efficiency. All of the above is creating awareness and education within the community, staff and membership. I, Hector Forcen, Golf Environment Organization independent accredited verifier, recommend that Golf Club Sion, to be awarded the GEO Certified® ecolabel.”

Hector Forcen (GEO accredited independent verifier)