Golf de Pals is maintaining its firm commitment to an environmental sustainability policy with an undertaking to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases. Clear examples of this are the introduction of electric automowers, the reinforcement of the circular economy with the use of composted vegetable waste as an alternative source to complex mineral fertilizers, and the reduction of the use of phytosanitary products (fungicides and insecticides) for the treatment of grass diseases and blights.

A new step in this direction is the research project being conducted in the Golf de Pals facilities, together with Barcelona University and the Food and Agriculture Research and Technology Institute (IRTA). The project promoted by Golf de Pals and directed by Xavier Giol, Greenkeeper of the course, will study the introduction of bio-strategies in the processes of constructing golf greens and courses, as well as the interaction between the grass and the micro-organisms present around the roots, which are essential to the proper development of the plant. Knowledge of the dynamics of the microbe population will make it possible to consolidate more sustainable grass management mechanisms.

For this reason, work has begun on the construction of a green next to the Hole 16 green, to carry out an experimental trial. The plot where the research is to be conducted will be divided into 2 blocks: one using the traditional construction method, and the other using recycled organic matter of vegetable origin.

In the coming weeks, the first samples will be collected to analyse the physical and chemical parameters, as well as the microbiological ones.

Xavier Giol, Greenkeeper of the Golf de Pals, tells us: We believe this project can be a precedent for the construction of more sustainable golf courses and thus help the world move towards a change that is so necessary today.