Join the conversation
Golf Gonten AG

Golf Gonten AG

Gontenbad, 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

  • Skylark Protection in Peatland Landscape The course has a well-documented commitment to skylark conservation, with restricted-access zones and GPS-controlled carts that automatically stop at boundaries to protect nesting areas.
  • Museum Preserving Peat-Cutting History Two historic peat-cutting buildings remain on site near holes 13 and 14, including a public museum that documents the region’s peat extraction history.
  • Naturalisation Guided by GPS Data Golf carts are equipped with GPS trackers to identify underused turf areas. This data helps the club target zones for naturalisation and reduce maintained turf.
  • Rainwater Harvesting System Rainwater is collected and stored in two silos at the greenkeeping facility, reducing freshwater demand and ensuring responsible water sourcing.
  • Photovoltaic System and Planned District Heating The club operates solar panels that generate renewable electricity and is planning a district heating project in partnership with a neighbouring farmer to further decarbonise operations.
  • Efficient Irrigation Limited to Key Surfaces Automatic irrigation is restricted to greens and tees, and watering is scheduled based on soil moisture and weather forecasts. Landscaping uses only native, drought-tolerant plants.
  • Year-Round Public Access and Winter Recreation Public walking paths cross the course, and in winter a cross-country ski trail runs through it. The restaurant is open to the public, making the course a year-round community space.
  • Annual Charity Support At least one charity event is held each year, with proceeds donated to local organisations — in 2024, funds supported the Hospice Service of Appenzell Innerrhoden and Ausserrhoden.
“

“Golf Gonten is a well-integrated facility within the sensitive Appenzeller peatland landscape. The course demonstrates professional turf management, targeted use of inputs, and strong measures for habitat conservation, including exemplary skylark protection. Naturalisation, rainwater harvesting, and renewable energy projects highlight a clear commitment to resource efficiency. The facility is open and inclusive, providing year-round value for the community with walking paths, winter crosscountry trails, and charity events. Looking ahead, I see great opportunities to further strengthen sustainability by updating the habitat map, expanding biodiversity monitoring and promoting these achievements more widely through community partnerships and communications.”

Ludwig Gloecklhofer (GEO accredited independent verifier)
GEO Certified Reports
Show more

Location