Inspirational

Powering progress: Club de Golf El Bosque’s solar investment drives change

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The commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility is a growing trend among businesses worldwide, and the Club de Golf El Bosque in Valencia, Spain, is no exception. Recently, the club made a significant investment in renewable energy by installing a photovoltaic plant covering 629 square meters of their parking area. This initiative is poised to cover 25% of the club’s electricity demand, marking a substantial step towards reducing their carbon footprint.

Club de Golf El Bosque’s innovative photovoltaic installation, featuring 224 solar panels atop parking lot canopies, is a testament to its commitment to sustainability. With a capacity of 123 kW, this installation is projected to prevent the emission of 1,184 tons of CO2 over the next 25 years, making a significant contribution to environmental preservation.

During the past winter, the club took advantage of the offseason to integrate canopies over 60 parking spaces, housing the solar panels to generate a quarter of the club’s electricity needs. This move underscores the club’s commitment to implementing sustainable practices and enhancements.

Club de Golf El Bosque’s solar investment

The investment, totalling €180,000, encompasses not only the installation of the canopies and solar panels but also the electrification of six parking spaces and the expansion of an additional 50 parking spots. This comprehensive approach reflects the club’s dedication to environmental stewardship and improved infrastructure for its members and visitors.

Club de Golf El Bosque’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond its current initiatives. In its 2024 investment plan, the club aims to establish a coworking area within the social club and refurbish equipment for fire prevention in designated areas. These future endeavours are designed to elevate the club’s service standards while fostering a more sustainable and eco-friendly approach to facility management.

Located in Valencia and inaugurated in 1975, Club de Golf El Bosque stands as a testament to the architectural prowess of Robert Trent Jones Sr., renowned for designing some of the world’s premier golf courses. Situated amidst a landscape characterized by a deep ravine, the course’s undulating profile offers an engaging array of holes, blending natural topography with strategic design elements.

Spanning a total of 6,249 meters with a par of 72, the course’s 18 holes cater to golfers of all skill levels, embodying Jones’ vision of inclusivity and enjoyment for seasoned players and novices alike. This versatility has earned Club de Golf El Bosque the distinction of hosting prestigious international championships, including the Open El Bosque (Volvo Tour), the Open Mediterránea, the PGA Senior European Tour, and the Copa de Su Majestad La Reina.

Club de Golf El Bosque’s investment in solar energy underscores its commitment to sustainability while further solidifying its position as a premier destination for golf enthusiasts, particularly those seeking the best Spain golf holiday experience through Tee Times Golf Agency.

The World Golf Awards: celebrating excellence in golf tourism

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Established in 2014, the World Golf Awards have become synonymous with excellence in golf tourism, highlighting the industry’s finest courses, destinations, and tour operators. Each year, the event brings together leading names from the golfing world, VIPs, and figureheads from the golf tourism sector to celebrate the best of the best.

The 11th annual World Golf Awards, a truly exclusive event, is set to take place on 21-22 November 2024. This year, it ventures to the beautiful islands of Madeira for the first time, promising a unique experience. Hosted at the luxurious Savoy Palace from Savoy Signature in Funchal, the ceremony will unveil an exclusive golfing itinerary, including rounds at the esteemed Santo da Serra and Palheiro courses.

Tee Times Golf Agency was named Portugal’s Best Inbound Golf Tour Operator in 2020 and 2021 and Portugal’s Best Outbound Golf Tour Operator in 2022. This recognition is particularly significant given Portugal’s status as a premier golfing destination, having been named the World’s Best Golf Destination numerous times.

World Golf Awards: shaping the future

The World Golf Awards are not just about celebration; they are about shaping the future of the golf tourism industry. These awards are pivotal in driving standards by acknowledging world-class courses, destinations, and organizations that set the standard for quality and innovation. The voting process begins at the start of each year. It involves professionals from the golf travel and tourism sector, including senior executives, tour operators, agents, media specialists, and golf tourism consumers.

As part of the renowned World Travel Awards, which celebrates its 30th anniversary, the World Golf Awards play a crucial role in driving up standards within the golf tourism industry by recognizing leaders in their respective fields. With global media partners such as Destination Golf, TV5Monde, Bloomberg, and CNBC, the World Golf Awards reach a vast audience of golf enthusiasts worldwide, cementing its status as the premier accolade in golf tourism.

As Tee Times Golf Agency is one of the candidates for Best Tour Operator in Europe 2024 (you can vote here), the World Golf Awards continue to spotlight the best in the business, inspiring excellence and innovation across the golf tourism industry.

For more information about the World Golf Awards, visit worldgolfawards.com.

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.