Golfclub Kleiburg

Notable Observations

• Birdlife Monitoring Across the Course In 2025, 88 bird species were recorded across the course throughout the year. The greenkeeper keeps track of species observations, with many records linked to water and bank habitats.
• Protected Species and Ecological Protocol The club has an Ecological Work Protocol from 2025, which also acts as a baseline measurement of natural values. Protected species recorded include bee orchid, tawny owl, little grebe, nightingale, woodcock, bittern, water rail and reed warbler.
• Habitat Features for Key Species The course includes nesting boxes, owl boxes, bat boxes and a bee hotel. Ceramic starling pots have also proved suitable as bat enclosures, and the mowing regime was adjusted after bee orchid established naturally.
• Self Managed Water System The club manages an isolated water system on the island between the Brielse Meer and Hartel Canal. Water is brought in from Brielse Meer, held in the large pond system and managed at a fixed level, with two ponds maintained via a historic windmill.
• Data Led Irrigation System A computer system introduced in 2024 uses weather forecast, climate, wind and soil data to support efficient irrigation. The course irrigates from retained surface water, with a self regulating pump and not all holes irrigated.
• Reuse and Material Reduction Clippings and leaves are composted on site and reused in renovations. Members receive reusable water bottles instead of PET bottles, discarded computer equipment is refurbished for charities, and an annual golf gear exchange is held.
• Strong Volunteer and Charity Support Volunteers contribute around 1,200 hours each year. The club supports charities financially and through free use of facilities, including Golf4Health, Lions, Muscles for Muscles, Handicart Foundation and neighbouring schools.
• Water Quality Research Partnership The club collaborates with TU Delft and Wageningen University on water quality research. Annual chemical analysis is carried out on inflow water, and the report notes no salinisation.

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"Kleiburg may have an isolated location, but that certainly does not apply when it comes to society; the golf club is right in the middle of it. The club is connected to various social organizations and to the golf world. In addition, safety is of paramount importance. The more than 50-year-old golf course is located on an island between the Briellse Maas and the Hartel Canal. The surrounding landscape is very diverse: from tidal areas to large-scale petrochemical industries. Within the golf course, nature and landscape are managed with respect. The water system is impressive, in which the golf club is self-managing. The water quality is being investigated in collaboration with TU Delft. The points for improvement from previous audits have been well addressed. Maintenance is gradually becoming more sustainable, and the reuse of materials is also becoming more and more common. I look forward to the new developments and have every confidence in the sustainable future of Kleiburg, which is professionally managed by a GEO committee, in which broad knowledge and a lot of experience are available."

Paul van Kan (GEO accredited independent verifier)