In recent years, sustainability has become a critical concern in all areas of life, including the golf sector. Golf courses are starting to be aware of the impact they are having on the environment and, consequently, are looking for sustainable solutions to the issue. An excellent example of sustainability in the world of golf is the recently refurbished La Hacienda Golf. The only links course in southern Europe has recently been remodelled following a multi-million investment which has turned the club into the flagship of 36-hole golf resorts. Are you keen to find out more about it? Keep reading to discover everything there is to know about this wonderful course where you can play a round with incredible sea views.
Sustainability and conservation at La Hacienda Golf
Experienced golf course designer Kurtis Bowman was in charge of La Hacienda Golf remodel, which sought to improve the holes, the scenery and sustainability.
One of the main eco-improvements at La Hacienda Golf was the decision to use different types of grass for different parts of the course. Warm grass, mostly Bermuda grass, was used both on the greens and fairways, reducing the need for herbicides and promising optimal performance in the summer months. This choice shows a conscious decision to reduce the dependency on chemical products and minimise the course’s impact on the environment.
Fescue, a tall grass, was used around the bunkers, providing good contrast, colour and texture. It is also a great choice of grass for these areas in the colder months. Not only does fescue make the course more visually appealing, it also reduces the need to maintain these areas using machinery and chemical products.
Another measure adopted at La Hacienda Golf is the use of a mixture of native fescue on parts of the course that are far away from play. By enabling these areas to turn brown in the summer, La Hacienda Golf takes on the appearance of a classic links course. Additionally, the decision to not use large quantities of fertilisers, herbicides and pesticides in these areas demonstrates a real commitment to the conservation and the protection of the local ecosystem.
Source: La Hacienda Golf
La Hacienda Golf’s commitment to sustainability is also visible at the tees. No longer requiring traditional manual harvesters for maintenance, the tees have been designed in such a way that they can be maintained using bigger and more efficient harvesters, thus reducing the amount of resources used and hours of work required.
In terms of the greens, the design has sought to make them interesting and challenging, though not the fastest in the country. The use of subtle contours in the design adds complexity to the game, without requiring the resource-heavy lawn maintenance required for higher speeds. This choice shows an understanding that sustainability and quality absolutely can co-exist on the golf course.
At La Hacienda Golf, sustainability goes beyond the environment: social and economic aspects have also been taken into account with practices that seek to have the lowest impact on the local community and manage financial resources responsibly.
La Hacienda Golf, the links course of the Costa del Sol
Opened in 1992, La Hacienda Golf has not one but two courses - the Links Golf Course and the Heathland Golf Course - the latter of whose magic lies in its Mediterranean views from San Roque, which is where the course is located. With its rolling terrain, no trees and constant sea breeze, this is a beautiful links course that meets the strictest definition of the term.
Incredible views all the way to Africa
The incredible location combined with its textbook links credentials make playing golf at Hacienda Alcaidesa Links Golf Resort an incredible adventure. And one of the reasons are the views that it affords over the Mediterranean, Gibraltar and the African coastline. While most links courses in the world have views over the surrounding coast, Alcaidesa treats players to far-reaching vistas of not only the sea but also the start of another continent. Do you fancy trying out your swing La Hacienda Golf? Some of the most complex holes in the Costa del Golf are here and waiting to put you to the test.
Source: La Hacienda Golf
An exemplar of commitment to the environment
La Hacienda Golf’s commitment to sustainability serves as an inspiration to other golf courses and tourist establishments. Sustainable grass choices, responsible environmental design and efficient maintenance demonstrate excellence and environmentalism can go hand in hand. In adopting sustainable practices, La Hacienda Golf positions itself as a leader in making the golf industry more respectful towards the environment. An example that we hope will be followed by others to ensure that future generations can enjoy an incredible sport in the exceptional destination of the Costa del Golf.
