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Hooge Graven Golfclub Ommen

Hooge Graven Golfclub Ommen

Ommen, 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.

2016, 2020, 2025, for renewal 2030

Notable Observations

  • Woodland Transition from Production to Nature Function Parts of the woodland are being transformed from production forestry to woodland managed primarily for nature conservation. This shift is accompanied by turf stripping and other habitat measures, contributing to the return of species such as common heather and other species rich grassland vegetation.
  • Native Hedgerow Planting Along the Driving Range Along the driving range, 600 trees and shrubs of native origin have been planted, including small leaved lime, wild cherry, hawthorn, blackthorn, alder buckthorn and buckthorn, in cooperation with the conservation organisation Natuurmonumenten.
  • Ecological Management Plans Guiding Habitat Decisions Habitat management is guided by several structured plans, including a nature management plan, a woodland management plan, and an externally prepared optimisation plan for course layout and ecological value.
  • 157 Solar Panels Generating On Site Energy The club has installed 157 solar panels, enabling a portion of the facility’s electricity demand to be generated on site.
  • Electric Robot Collecting Driving Range Balls Golf balls on the driving range are collected using an electric robot and processed through a fully automated system, reducing manual labour and fuel use.
  • Targeted Irrigation Through Individual Sprinkler Control Sprinklers on several greens have been replaced, allowing individual head control and enabling more precise and targeted irrigation management.
  • Charity Fundraising for Local Hospice The club supports charitable causes annually. In 2025, €14,000 was raised for a hospice in Ommen, while previous initiatives supported paragolfers.
  • Community Engagement Through Local Events and Partnerships The course participates in the local evening four day walking event and engages with local organisations including the municipality, water authority and environmental groups.
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“Golf Club De Hooge Graven is making significant strides towards sustainability. Through the installation of solar panels, the transition from production woodland to nature‑oriented woodland, and governance in which the club manager safeguards policy implementation, the club is developing an organisation that actively cares for and preserves the landscape. In the coming years, additional emphasis will be placed on enhancing biodiversity and increasing energy neutrality. Progress has also been made at governance level: increased transparency, digitalisation, and a younger board composition provide a solid and professional foundation for sustainability initiatives.”

Guido Hamelink (GEO accredited independent verifier)
GEO Certified Reports
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