Golf | Tempo de Cuidar – VisitAlgarve

Here is some practical advice that we invite you to follow.

1. Lay Turf suitable for the climate

Golf courses encompass areas of different functions in the context of the game and as such, the type of turf used varies, as do the irrigation requirements. The most demanding areas are the greens and tees. These are the most important areas of the course, sown with the most demanding varieties of grass. The grass varieties used require special care in terms of cultural practices, irrigation volumes and water quality. Promote the planting of turfs adapted to warm climates, which are less demanding in terms of water consumption. For example, planting the bermudagrass species allows water savings of around 20% compared to other more common grasses.

2. Build drainage systems

Build drainage systems as a way of capturing rainwater and irrigation water.

3. Promote night irrigation.

Promote night irrigation, minimizing evaporation losses.

4. Monitor irrigation

Use state-of-the-art technology in golf course irrigation management, such as weather stations and soil moisture sensors.

5. Adapt Turf Areas

In the warm season, reduce watered areas.
Turf areas can be minimised if:
– the rough areas are planted with vegetation better adapted to water scarce conditions;
– the area behind the 1st tee is ungrassed
– the areas between tees and fairways are surfaced

6. Whenever possible irrigate using re-usable water

Water for Reuse (WfR) is residual water treated in order to acquire the quality compatible with its use. It should have a composition that ensures the safeguarding of public health and the environment, in addition to the proper development of the grass.
In the Algarve we have two golf courses that use WfR for irrigation: Salgados and São Lourenço.
Promote the use of WfR for irrigation in your resort.

7. Promote biodiversity management

The areas of the courses which are not used as playing areas, can be managed in accordance with established objectives, namely biodiversity and natural heritage management objectives. The installation of golf courses makes resources available for the requalification and management of large green areas, some of high ecological value, which may also be an opportunity to be valued from the conservation point of view (Ministry of Environment, Territorial Planning and Regional Development, 2009).
Promote landscape preservation by repopulating with autochthonous plants and trees, thus ensuring that your field is a natural extension of the existing ecosystem.

8. Provide appropriate training to your staff

Promote environmental awareness and training of your staff.

9. Implement environmental management systems

Implement environmental management systems, such as ISO 14001 environmental certification.

10. Use lakes as reservoirs

Capture and store rainwater in the golf lakes (or one of the lakes), design them as a compensation and security reservoir for supplying the irrigation system, reducing the need to resort to other sources.