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Golfclub Houtrak

Golfclub Houtrak

Halfweg, 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.

2011, 2016, 2020, 2025, for renewal 2030

Notable Observations

  • Majority Nature Area Management More than 50% of the 84-hectare site is maintained as non-playing nature area, contributing to relatively high biodiversity across the property.
  • Long-Term Flora and Bird Recording Flora has been recorded regularly over many years, and over 100 bird species have been observed through ongoing bird surveys.
  • External Ecological Advice Embedded External experts actively advise on biodiversity, water bodies, and forest management, with recommendations reflected in the course management document.
  • Fertiliser Inputs Reduced by 60% Nitrogen application on greens has been reduced from over 100 kg N/ha/year to around 40 kg N/ha/year, lowering nutrient pressure while maintaining playing quality.
  • Near-Zero Pesticide Use Achieved From 2023 onwards no fungicides have been used, herbicides were only sparsely applied in 2024, and no pesticides were used at all in 2025.
  • Irrigation Use Cut by Around 50% A newly installed irrigation system has resulted in a ~50% reduction in annual irrigation volumes, supported by weather-based scheduling.
  • Large-Scale Solar Installation Between 100 and 142 solar panels have been installed on site, contributing directly to reduced energy demand.
  • Open, Inclusive Social Use The club is open to all, hosts a public birdwatching day, welcomes non-golf bridge groups, and runs several golf and non-golf charity activities each year.
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“Over the last five years a range of actions have been undertaken at Golfclub Houtrak to further increase their sustainability footprint. The ones that most impressed me were - they reduced fertilization rates significantly, pesticide use has gone down to almost zero, a new irrigation system was installed, and over more than 100 solar panels have been installed. Furthermore, 50% of the total 84 ha is non-golf playing area and maintained as nature area.”

Adrie van der Werf (GEO accredited independent verifier)
GEO Certified Reports
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