Springs Resort & Golf Club has retained a highly respected GEO certification status and recognizes the outstanding commitment and efforts to promote environmental and social sustainability.
The Oxfordshire resort run by Darwin Escapes is part of the UK’s elite list of geo-certified venues to achieve reliable standards for sustainable golf course operations.
To meet the required high sustainability standards, golf courses must demonstrate excellence in key areas: including turf management and pollution prevention; resources such as water and energy consumption; and community research on employment, partnerships and outreach, among other factors. Springs Resort & Golf Club first received GEO certified status in 2020, and the renewal demonstrates continuous improvement.
Designed by former Ryder Cup captain Brian Huggett, the Spring Water course was conducted in a restored 19th-century estate and was complemented by a boutique hotel and spa, all subject to the GEO Sustainable Golf Foundation’s strict evaluation process.
Some of the outstanding moves to see springs get geo-certified again include:
- Dedicate more than 47% of the golf course to nature conservation and significantly reduce play areas, many offline grasslands left over, allowing nature to thrive
- Course Irrigation for Basic Surfaces – T-shirts, greens and methods – Minimize water use only
- Transition to electric maintenance equipment, such as turf mowers, which greatly reduces overall fuel consumption
- Spend time at local Oxfordshire schools, educate students about sustainability and nature – and introduce golf to more children
- Supports many philanthropic causes, including raising funds for the community support dog Wendy and raising funds for local guide dog organizations
- Turkish banquet night led by the resort’s chef, calling for funding for Türkiye’s earthquake
Matthew Kimber, Golf Director at Springs Resort & Golf Club, said: “We are honored to be Geo certification again, which is the result of years of work for the entire team in each department. The sustainability of everything we do is at the center of our strategy and being able to maintain a very select club in the Geo Foundation is a vital foundation and a crucial direction in the right direction.”
“Darwin Escape has a very clear vision and motivation, all guided by sustainable best practices. They are at the forefront of the industry and should be awarded with a level of sustainability and management, passion and enthusiasm for sustainability and management.”
