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Visby Golfklubb

Visby Golfklubb

Gotlands Tofta, Sweden

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.

2022, 2025, for renewal 2030

Notable Observations

  • Pollinator Habitat Creation Visby Golfklubb is working with Länsstyrelsen Gotland to create new habitat areas using local wildflower seed. These areas are designed to improve conditions for pollinators, ground nesting bees and other Hymenoptera species.
  • Sand Beds for Ground Nesting Bees Sand beds have been created in underutilised areas of the course to support ground nesting bee species. This makes practical use of non playing areas while creating valuable habitat for threatened species.
  • Natura 2000 Habitat Stewardship The course includes Natura 2000 habitats and the club works under an ongoing agreement with Länsstyrelsen Gotland. The club is aware of the legal requirements linked to these protected habitats.
  • Robotic Mowing to Reduce Pesticides Programmable mowing robots are used across the course and help reduce the need for pesticides. Their regular movement creates mechanical disturbance that makes it harder for pests to develop undisturbed.
  • Double Row Irrigation Upgrade Double row irrigation has been installed on 18 of the club’s 27 holes, reducing water consumption by 30%. The remaining 9 holes are planned to receive the same system in the coming years.
  • Closed Cycle Pond Irrigation All irrigation water is taken from the club’s own ponds, with drainage flowing back into those ponds. The course also has a permit to source water from the nearby Paån river between November and March.
  • Virtual Fencing for Sheep Grazing Visby Golfklubb has trialled virtual fencing with sheep wearing GPS collars in collaboration with SLU, the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences. The system allows sheep to graze defined areas without physical fencing and is set to become permanent from 2026.
  • Strong Junior Golf Engagement The club regularly invites schools to try golf. The club has the highest share of juniors in Sweden, with golf becoming increasingly popular among young people.
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“With curiosity and a mindset of continuous learning, greenkeeper Petter Lindblad with staff continues to put Visby GK in the front seat of sustainable golf. Here, underutilised areas are developed into functioning habitats for threatened species; new technology is applied to improve sheep pasture on the course grounds; and mowing robots reduce the need for pesticides.”

Mårten Nilsson (GEO accredited independent verifier)
GEO Certified Reports
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