Course of the Week: PGA Catalunya restores wetlands and welcomes back near-extinct species

PGA Catalunya Golf and Wellness, located in Girona, Spain, was recognized by the STRI Group for its commitment to developing and preserving its green infrastructure. The STRI Group is comprised of administrators of The Golf Environment Awards and provides quality, bespoke and cost-effective solutions for the design, construction and management of sports surfaces.

Since 2015, PGA Catalunya has been committed to increasing the biodiversity of every micro-ecosystem found at the 36-hole venue.

Restoring the wetland ecosystem at PGA Catalunya Golf and Wellness. (Photo: Harold Abellan, Arxiu Images)

PGA Catalunya adopted a maintenance methodology that falls in line with ones used to look after natural parks and sanctuaries. It focuses on policies laid out in the European Green Deal and the EU Biodiversity Strategy to 2020 and 2030, rather than those adhered to by common golf courses.

“All our actions and efforts contribute to our resolve in becoming a natural reserve with a robust green infrastructure, rich in a multitude of species that have been in regression throughout the territory,” Oriol Dalmau, in-house biologist for PGA Catalunya, said.

PGA Catalunya Golf and Wellness in-house biologist Oriol Dalmau. (Photo: Harold Abellan, Arxiu Images)

The Stadium Course has recently benefited from a sustainability-focused 1 million euros ($1.06 million) upgrade, which has also enabled the greenkeeping team to enhance the management and maintenance of the onsite golf courses and the environmental quality of the resort, while improving the wellbeing of platers and residents.

Cultivating lake perimeter vegetation at PGA Catalunya Golf and Wellness. (Photo: Harold Abellan, Arxiu Images)

“We have enabled the recolonization of near-extinct species, such as the Lutra lutra, an endangered species of otters that has found refuge and nourishment within the PGA Catalunya reservoir, the Alcedo atthis and Upupa epops,” Dalmau said.