Golfclub Schinznach Bad

Notable Observations

• Swing for Biodiversity Habitat Mapping As part of Swiss Golf’s Swing for Biodiversity program, the club’s entire site has been ecologically mapped to identify habitat types and ecological quality. This provides a scientific foundation for future biodiversity projects
• Pro Specie Rara Orchard Trees Heritage fruit trees from Pro Specie Rara varieties are maintained on site. These trees preserve regional genetic diversity and link the course to local agricultural heritage.
• Member-Led Bird Monitoring A club member carries out independent bird surveys, sharing knowledge with others and documenting sightings of reed warblers, grass snakes, and wild bees. This citizen science approach enhances ecological awareness within the club.
• Organic Fertilisation Transition The course has used organic fertiliser for six years and is now fully phasing out synthetic fertilisers. Liquid organic blends with microbial cultures are used to restore soil biology in sand-heavy areas.
• Advanced Sanding and Soil Care Sand delivery for aeration has increased from 330 to over 800 tons per year, with deep loosening and spiking to maintain structure. These steps strengthen turf resilience and reduce chemical dependency
• Weather Station and Data-Based Irrigation Irrigation renewal allows individual sprinkler control, supported by a weather station used to time both irrigation and plant protection decisions. All irrigation water comes from local spring sources
• Rapid Growth in Junior Golf Membership reforms have made the club more accessible, leading to a 300% increase in junior members in just two years. This shift brings new energy and long-term social value
• Charity and Member Engagement Events The club runs two to three charity tournaments annually and organises member–greenkeeper events such as the Greenkeeper Trophy. These build relationships and highlight the people behind course management

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“The Schinznach Bad golf course is located in a unique location, embedded in a sensitive natural environment. This can be protected or promoted to the maximum without having to significantly impair the game. The willingness of the course manager confirms that the measures recommended by Swiss Golf as well as GEO are easy to implement and can sometimes also make the game more attractive. These are measures such as promoting ecological structural elements, establishing more biodiverse meadow areas, leaving borders and much more. The involvement of neighbouring forest owners is also recommended, so that the artificially created green spaces can develop into habitats that are as natural as possible. Personnel changes carry risks, but also bring opportunities. However, the transfer of knowledge must be ensured for this purpose and any resource problems should be solved as quickly as possible. Digital technology such as GIS mapping and GPS control is able to strengthen operations and optimize costs. At the same time, environmental risks are minimized and biodiversity-relevant information can be optimally recorded. This, in turn, ensures knowledge transfer. It is recommended that all these opportunities be carefully evaluated so that effective measures are planned and implemented promptly as part of a sustainability strategy. All the best for the continued operation and a fun game.”

Felix Rusterholz (GEO accredited independent verifier)