Porto Santo Golfe in Madeira is stepping up its drive to become more sustainable after unveiling a range of new measures aimed at lowering its eco-footprint and making golfers more environmentally conscious.
Officials at the golf club are set to introduce a series of upgrades across its golf and clubhouse facilities in the coming months to reduce water, plastic and electricity usage and improve recycling levels.
At the forefront of the improvements being made is the installation of a new pumping system in the lake on the fourth hole to improve irrigation efficiency and reduce the amount of liquid used watering the course.
Off the course, Porto Santo’s pro shop is making changes to ensure golfers using the venue can also help to conserve the environment. Bamboo tees will be sold in the shop to encourage golfers not to use plastic golf tees, with a campaign running on social media at the same time to further enhance the message.
In addition, a new waste sorting area is being constructed to improve recycling levels, with waste separation baskets in place at the clubhouse and monthly reports being undertaken to measure the weight of disposed waste. An electric certification will also take place to help reduce electric usage.
Porto Santo’s updated approach towards sustainability comes with larger measures already in place to preserve the island, of which the golf course is named after, and its relationship with nature. This included Porto Santo being named as a UNESCO biosphere reserve in 2020 – one of 25 new locations named in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves.
Designed by Seve Ballesteros, and host of the Madeira Islands Open in 2009 and 2011, the golf course is dotted with lakes and natural habitats.