Links Leuk Golf Resort

Notable Observations

• Zero-Input Grassland Meadows Extensive grassland areas between holes are managed as zero-input meadows, cut only once or twice per year by local farmers. Timing is determined by bird migration patterns, and no fertiliser or irrigation is applied.
• Nationally Important Bird Habitat The course sits within the Pfyn-Finges Nature Park and is recognised as one of Switzerland’s most popular birdwatching areas. Annual bird surveys are carried out by Vogelwarte Schweiz, with a strong focus on migratory species.
• Wetland and Microhabitat Management Wetlands, hedgerows and meadows are managed under a detailed plan informed by Vogelwarte Sempach and local specialists. Tree and branch piles and stone piles are deliberately retained to create microhabitats for insects, birds and small animals.
• Low-Input Fescue-Based Turf System Playing surfaces are dominated by fine fescue, rye and poa, selected for sandy soils and low input needs. Water, fertiliser and pesticide use are kept deliberately low, with no pesticides applied to tees or fairways.
• Precision Fertigation and Spoon Feeding Greens are managed using regular soil testing, spoon-feeding with liquid fertilisers, and a fertigation system used a few times per year to deliver nutrients precisely during irrigation.
• Coffee Grounds and Clippings Composting Grass clippings are combined with coffee grounds from the restaurant and composted to create growing medium. This compost is used to grow tomatoes for greenkeeping staff, closing a small but effective nutrient loop.
• Strong Environmental Partnerships The facility works closely with Vogelwarte Sempach, Pro Natura, WWF, local bird groups, and the Canton as part of an environmental commission managing the site within the Nature Park.
• Education, Access and Seasonal Use Public walking trails cross parts of the course, birdwatching groups regularly visit, and the site is used for cross-country skiing and walking in winter when golf is closed. Local school groups also receive free lessons on the practice facilities

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“Links Leuk is proud to promote itself as a unique ‘links’ course in Switzerland, asking golfers for tolerance in playing on these low-input fescue-based turf surfaces. The non-input natural areas between the golf holes have a high ecological value and are strictly maintained as habitat for birds, amphibians and insect species. Their modern clubhouse and hotel are energy efficient and keep resource demands low. I look forward to seeing further commitment in sustainable purchasing, a more detailed waste auditing as well as stronger internal and external communication, spreading awareness of their positive environmental actions.”

David Bily (GEO accredited independent verifier)