Madrid Golf

Driving sustainability: the Acciona Open de España leads the green revolution

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The Acciona Open de España, one of the oldest golf championships in the DP World Tour, returns to the prestigious Club de Campo Villa de Madrid.The Acciona Open de España, one of the oldest golf championships in the DP World Tour, returns to the prestigious Club de Campo Villa de Madrid from September 26-29, 2024. As a key event since 1971, the tournament has evolved into more than just a world-class sporting event—it is now a leader in sustainability. In collaboration with Acciona, the strategic sustainability partner, the Open de España has implemented innovative measures to drastically reduce its environmental impact, setting a new standard for green sports events.

In 2024, the contest will continue its pioneering work by achieving positive water and carbon footprints, the first sports event to do so. Acciona’s efforts have reduced the tournament’s carbon emissions by 29% per attendee since 2021 while leaving a lasting regenerative legacy in Madrid by planting thousands of trees. These initiatives align with Acciona’s long-term goal of transforming elite sports events into models of sustainability and regeneration.

One of the standout features of the Acciona Open de España is its water sustainability initiative. By generating clean water in one of Acciona’s desalination plants in the Júcar Basin—a region of Spain heavily affected by water stress—the company ensures a positive water footprint. This clean water production will offset the tournament’s total water consumption, preventing the depletion of local water sources.

The Club de Campo Villa de Madrid, an iconic course and a central venue for this remarkable tournament, is also a must-play destination for golf lovers. Tee Times Golf Agency offers exclusive Spain golf holiday packages that allow players to enjoy this stunning course while embracing eco-conscious tourism. For those who appreciate world-class golf and environmental responsibility, Tee Times delivers a unique opportunity to experience the best golf packages in Spain.

Acciona Open de España in detail

As golf fans prepare to witness top-tier players like Jon Rahm, Matthieu Pavon, Tommy Fleetwood, Shane Lowry and the entire “Armada Española” (photo) compete on the green, they can also take pride in knowing that this tournament is helping to shape a more sustainable future for the sport. José Luis Martínez-Almeida, the Club de Campo Villa de Madrid‘s president, highlighted this event’s importance, calling it a privilege and an honour to host the Open in such a prestigious public venue.

Whether you’re attending to watch the action or looking to play on the same course as the pros, the Acciona Open de España offers an unparalleled experience season by season. With Tee Times Golf Agency, you can enjoy the best Spain golf holidays while supporting sustainability initiatives that make a real difference. Join us in Madrid for a tournament that is as green as it is exciting!

Sustainability at the Real Club de Golf La Herrería: a green haven near Madrid

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Close to madrid, the Real Club de Golf La Herrería is a prime example of sustainability in golf, blending sport with environmental responsibility. The Real Club de Golf La Herrería is a prime example of sustainability in golf, blending sport with environmental responsibility. Established in 1966, the club is located northwest of Madrid in the Real Sitio de San Lorenzo de El Escorial, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1984. Surrounded by lush forests of oaks, ash trees, and holm oaks, and with views of the Monastery of El Escorial and Madrid’s skyline, playing at La Herrería is an immersive experience in nature.

The club’s unwavering commitment to preserving its unique natural setting has garnered general recognition. Laura Ojea, in an article for El Español – Enclaves ODS, wrote about La Herrería’s dedication to environmental protection and numerous eco-friendly initiatives. These include installing solar panels, irrigation with recycled water, and a comprehensive avian protection program, all of which contributed to the club winning the prestigious “Premio Madera Verde.”

Real Club de Golf La Herrería vision

Since its foundation, the Real Club de Golf La Herrería has been a steward of the natural landscape, preserving the area’s topography and maintaining a delicate ecological balance. The club’s environmental efforts extend to a forest inventory and restoring key areas within the surrounding forest, ensuring long-term sustainability. Enrique Gil Octavio de Toledo, the club’s director, notes that visitors appreciate being immersed in nature, occasionally spotting deer among the trees.

La Herrería also built a state-of-the-art wastewater treatment plant, allowing the club to use recycled water for irrigation. In addition, energy-saving measures like solar power, CO₂ emission controls, and electric buggies have earned the club ISO 14001 certification, a standard achieved by only a few golf clubs in Spain.

Tee Times Golf Agency proudly aligns itself with Golf La Herrería’s vision. With over 30 years of offering top-tier golf packages in Spain and Portugal, we are deeply committed to promoting sustainability. By supporting environmentally responsible clubs like La Herrería, Tee Times ensures unforgettable golf breaks and the best Spain golf holidays that also contribute to a greener planet.

Sustainable renovations at Real Club La Moraleja improve playability and efficiency

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The Real Club La Moraleja has recently completed a comprehensive renovation of its Course 2, significantly reducing water and maintenance needs by approximately 30%.

The Real Club La Moraleja, located in the Community of Madrid, boasts a rich history since its founding in 1973. With its four 18-hole golf courses designed by Jack Nicklaus, the club has hosted prestigious competitions such as the World Cup of Golf and the Spanish Open. Course 2, opened in 1990 and developed by Nicklaus Design under the direction of architect Ron Kirby, is a challenging layout with large lakes affecting several holes, transforming it into a unique and challenging golf course.

La Moraleja is one of the most prestigious golf clubs in Europe and has been chosen by many Tee Times Golf Agency clients, to whom we have offered the best golf and tourism packages for their Spain golf holidays.

Real Club La Moraleja Course 2 renovation

Reopened on April 13th, the 9-second holes of Course 2 had been closed since November for renovations, including an overhaul of the irrigation system, levelling and alignment of all tees, renovation of the 15th and 16th hole lakes, total remodelling of bunkers on holes 12, 13, and 15, and the creation of new gravel areas around several tees.

According to Íñigo Angulo, Director of Golf at Real Club La Moraleja, this significant two-phase renovation, with the first phase targeting holes 1 to 9 last year, aims to provide a more sustainable course with improved playing conditions year-round. “The new irrigation system, modern and tailored to the current turf structure of the course, will ensure better coverage and uniformity, ultimately enhancing playing conditions,” adds Tony Bonnett, Head Greenkeeper at Real Club La Moraleja, in dialogue with the prestigious media platform www.golfindustria.es.

With these renovations completed, the Spanish Golf Federation will conduct a new assessment of Course 2’s layout, and the club will adjust hole handicaps based on recent competition results.

The renovation work, including irrigation system replacement and lake refurbishment, was undertaken by specialized contractors GTM Golf and Garden & Golf. At the same time, other improvements were handled by the club’s maintenance team.

Furthermore, the renovation involved redefining non-play areas, incorporating gravel surfaces to reduce turf coverage, fostering sustainability, and lowering maintenance demands.

Completion of bunker renovations on holes 12, 13, and 15 marks the final phase of comprehensive bunker upgrades, focusing on playability, aesthetics, and sustainability.

Reseeding with Agrostis stolonifera is planned for the coming summer, with continuing efforts to improve turf quality and resilience against disease and ensure long-term course viability amidst evolving environmental regulations.

Club La Moraleja’s sustainable renovations signify a commitment to environmental stewardship while enhancing the golfing experience for members and visitors alike. Now comes the turn of the golfers, eager to discover and enjoy the new design of the course.