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Golfbaan Het Rijk van Margraten

Golfbaan Het Rijk van Margraten

Cadier en Keer, Netherlands

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.

2017, 2020, 2025, for renewal 2030

Notable Observations

  • Connecting Two Natura 2000 Areas The course lies between the Bemelerberg & Schiepersberg and the Savelsbos Natura 2000 areas. Through the Poort van het Heuvelland project, the club is exploring new ways to connect these protected zones, strengthening regional biodiversity corridors and ecological resilience.
  • Cultural Heritage Integration The clubhouse design is inspired by the Roman Villa Backerbosch, whose foundations remain preserved underground. An information panel on hole 9 highlights this cultural history, adding an educational and place-based layer to the course experience.
  • Bird Conservation with Local Experts Nest boxes have been installed and are monitored by the local bird working group, which also reports sightings such as the little owl. Collaboration with these volunteers ensures local expertise directly supports habitat management.
  • Electrified Maintenance Fleet Most of the greenkeeping machinery has been converted to electric, including buggies fitted with lithium batteries. An electric fairway mower deck is currently under testing—placing Het Rijk van Margraten among the most advanced facilities in energy-efficient turf management.
  • Solar-Powered Facilities Solar panels have been installed on the driving range roof and are now operational. This renewable supply complements recent upgrades in the clubhouse, where LED lighting and remote-controlled heating systems further cut energy demand.
  • Advanced Waste Separation and Reuse Glass, cardboard, grass, and residual waste are collected separately, and plastic has recently been added as a new stream. Over half of all waste is now reused rather than incinerated—demonstrating strong material recovery in practice.
  • Inclusive Employment and Integration The club provides jobs and reintegration opportunities for people with barriers to employment, including Ukrainian staff in hospitality and greenkeeping. This inclusive approach strengthens community cohesion and workforce diversity.
  • Charity and Circular Economy Events A tournament was organised to raise funds for the Ronald McDonald’s Fund, and an Old Grandad’s Swap Market gave golf equipment a second life while supporting charity. These initiatives creatively merge reuse, fundraising, and social connection.
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“The Rijk van Margraten golf course shows how sustainability can be embedded in daily practice. I was particularly impressed by the organizational continuity and the ongoing optimization over the years, as well as the recent collaboration with the municipality. The ambition to connect the Natura 2000 areas Bemelerberg & Schiepersberg and the Savelsbos is an inspiring theme that highlights the course’s role in strengthening the surrounding landscape.”

Guido Hamelink (GEO accredited independent verifier)
GEO Certified Reports

 

 

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