Österlens Golfklubb

Notable Observations

• Biodiversity and Species Conservation Ecological surveys and management plans have identified a range of notable species across both courses, including a threatened butterfly, Hazel dormouse and Dwarf everlast. Habitat management also supports protected amphibians including the Fire-bellied toad, European tree frog and Great crested newt.
• Habitat Creation and Enhancement The club actively manages woodland edges, deadwood, meadow areas, sandy habitats and ponds to increase ecological value. Dedicated sandy areas have been created for solitary bees, alongside four insect hotels, while maintained sandy habitats also provide suitable conditions for sand lizards.
• Low-Input Turf Management Around 70% of fertiliser used is organic, while chemical pesticide use is very limited and reserved for serious fungal outbreaks. Irrigation and fertiliser inputs are also being reduced to encourage more resilient turf species, with golfers increasingly accepting naturally drier and browner playing surfaces.
• Precision Water Management Significant investment in sector and double-row sprinklers has reduced irrigation water use by approximately 30% by allowing water to be targeted much more precisely. Soil moisture monitoring, wind-adapted nozzles and an approach of irrigating to keep turf alive rather than uniformly green further support efficient water use.
• Renewable Energy and Electrification Solar panels installed in 2022 generate around 62,000 kWh annually, while electricity purchased from the grid has been renewable since 2024. Overall energy use has fallen by around 80,000 kWh per year over the last four years, with electric mowers and geothermal clubhouse heating further reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
• Responsible Purchasing and Recycling The club continues to favour local suppliers, helping to reduce transport associated with purchasing, and considers energy efficiency when selecting new equipment. Recycling facilities have also been improved, with effective separation and collection systems now established across the facility.
• Nature Engagement and Community Outreach The club works with local schools and conservation organisations to connect people with the natural environment, including birdhouses produced by local students. Regular birdwatching field trips and nature walks are delivered with BirdLife Sweden, with around half of participants being non-golfers.
• Sustainability Culture and Partnerships Sustainability is increasingly embedded within the club’s everyday operations, with strong support from staff, the board and members for new environmental initiatives. The club also participates in the Swedish Golf Federation and WWF’s “Make Golf Wilder” project and works with Region Skåne on developing local tourism and outdoor recreation.

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“The club has really stepped up in three ways when it comes to energy consumption; installation of solar panels, changing from non-renewable energy to renewable and reducing its total consumption of electricity. Good work! Also, as the club already allows its turf to turn brownish during dry seasons it will be well prepared for enhanced water scarcity. As always I am really looking forward to seeing the further development of the club’s sustainability work.”

Mårten Wallberg (GEO accredited independent verifier)