Sustainability in Golf

La Cala Resort: leading the way in sustainable golf

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As Tee Times Golf Agency remains dedicated to promoting sustainability, we proudly highlight La Cala Resort's impressive achievements.As Tee Times Golf Agency remains dedicated to promoting sustainability and environmental stewardship, we proudly highlight La Cala Resort’s impressive achievements. Celebrating its 35th anniversary this year, La Cala Resort has garnered well-deserved recognition, recently named Spain’s ‘Golf Resort of the Year 2024’ at the IAGTO awards. This accolade reflects their commitment to offering exceptional golf and lifestyle experiences on the Costa del Sol.

Located just 30 minutes from Malaga airport and the renowned destinations of Malaga and Marbella, La Cala Resort stands out for its luxurious amenities and unwavering dedication to sustainability. Owned by FBD Hotels & Resorts, the resort has been at the forefront of eco-friendly practices for 35 years. This commitment is underscored by their recent GEO Certification from the GEO Foundation for Sustainable Golf. This prestigious credential acknowledges their rigorous environmental and social responsibility efforts.

La Cala Resort’s commitment

La Cala Resort’s sustainability journey began in 1991 by installing a regenerated water irrigation system, demonstrating a forward-thinking approach to water conservation. This system, funded by the FBD Group, uses reclaimed water from a nearby recycling plant, ensuring preserving precious freshwater resources. Additionally, the resort is transitioning to Bermuda grass on its golf courses, leading to a 20% reduction in water consumption.

In 2022, the resort expanded its sustainability efforts by installing solar panels on maintenance facility roofs, generating 160Kw of clean energy per hour. This initiative reduces the resort’s reliance on grid electricity and supports future energy-efficient upgrades, such as LED lighting.

La Cala Resort has also embraced electric-powered machinery, including green mowers and bunker rakes, to decrease carbon emissions further. With ongoing projects to enhance their sustainability practices, including using lithium-powered carts and reducing turf areas, La Cala Resort is setting a benchmark for eco-friendly golf resorts.

At Tee Times Golf Agency, we believe in the power of golf to inspire positive change. We proudly offer exclusive golf packages to experience La Cala Resort’s exceptional facilities. By choosing us for your Spain golf holidays, you’re not just enjoying world-class golf and luxury accommodations; you’re supporting a resort dedicated to protecting our environment and inspiring others to do the same.

Photos by: La Cala Resort.

Roda Golf & Beach Resort: exclusive and sustainable eco-friendly destination

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Roda Golf & Beach Resort stands out as one of the top golf destinations Tee Times Golf Agency offers for unforgettable Spain golf holidays.Roda Golf & Beach Resort stands out as one of the top golf destinations Tee Times Golf Agency offers for unforgettable Spain golf holidays. Nestled alongside the Mediterranean Sea, near Murcia, and a mere 1.5 km from the unique and tranquil Mar Menor, this resort is set in a region blessed with over 253 km of Mediterranean coastline. It enjoys nearly 300 days of sunshine annually and an average temperature of 21ºC.

Situated in the renowned Costa Cálida, Roda Golf & Beach Resort is an ideal spot to enjoy an exclusive paradise enriched with the cultural and natural wealth of the Murcia region. It is a premier haven for sports enthusiasts, offering various water and land activities. From swimming, sailing, and water skiing to tennis, trekking, and golf, the resort caters to a diverse range of recreational pursuits.

Roda Golf & sustainability

The golf course has taken a significant step towards sustainability by inaugurating a solar power plant. This innovative installation features 98 photovoltaic panels spread across approximately 250 m². Positioned on the pergola of the practice range and golf academy adjacent to the Clubhouse, these panels are arranged in a coplanar formation. This design reduces visual impact and seamlessly integrates with the natural surroundings.

The primary goal of this solar initiative is to substantially reduce reliance on grid energy, thereby minimizing the resort’s environmental impact. The installation includes a 45 kW inverter with an impressive efficiency rate of 98.4% and an anti-feed system, ensuring safe and efficient operation. This solar power system is expected to cover around 40% of the resort’s total energy consumption, achieving a self-sufficiency rate of 20%.

Considering Spain’s energy production mix and its corresponding CO2 emission factor of 0.256 kg per kWh consumed, this solar initiative is estimated to prevent approximately 12,581 kg of CO2 emissions over a specified period. The project, executed by EM SOLAR, a company specializing in photovoltaic systems, guarantees the quality and efficiency of the installation.

With its commitment to sustainability and exceptional golf and recreational facilities, Roda Golf & Beach Resort is an exemplary destination for golf enthusiasts looking to enjoy a memorable holiday in Spain. Tee Times Golf Agency proudly offers this remarkable resort, where guests can indulge in world-class golf while appreciating the natural beauty and sunny climate of Costa Cálida.

Don’t miss the chance to experience the best that Spain has to offer. Tee Times Golf Agency has carefully crafted three exclusive golf packages for avid fans who wish to enjoy top-notch golfing in one of Spain’s most exclusive destinations. Book your package today and embark on an unforgettable golfing adventure at Roda Golf & Beach Resort.

Associação Portuguesa de Greenkeepers: Tiago Piano elected president

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The Associação Portuguesa de Greenkeepers (APG) has announced its new leadership for the next four years. Leading the team is Tiago Piano, a seasoned professional with a strong background in team management, planning, and budgeting, currently serving as the Golf Course Superintendent at Belas Clube de Campo. Nuno Teixeira will assist him, bringing his expertise as the vice president and Miguel Grosso as the treasurer. This capable team is committed to upholding the APG’s mission of promoting excellence and sustainability in golf course maintenance across Portugal.

Tiago Piano’s appointment as the new president of the Associação Portuguesa de Greenkeepers marks a significant step in the association’s journey. With his extensive experience in managing golf course operations and ensuring high standards of maintenance and sustainability, he is well-equipped to lead the APG in advancing its objectives. These include providing comprehensive technical information, training, and networking opportunities to its members. The Associação Portuguesa de Greenkeepers aims to create a synergistic environment that benefits the golf course maintenance industry by fostering communication among members, sponsors, and partners.

In 2023, Portugal was honoured as the world’s best golf destination, a testament to its greenkeepers’ hard work and dedication. This prestigious recognition highlights the exceptional quality of Portuguese golf courses chosen by golfers from around the globe for their Portugal golf holidays. The award underscores the vital role greenkeepers play in maintaining these world-class courses, ensuring they meet the high standards expected by international visitors.

The Associação Portuguesa de Greenkeepers and sustainability 

One of the APG’s primary focuses is championing sustainability within the golf course maintenance industry. Recognizing the pivotal role of greenkeepers in implementing eco-friendly practices, the APG advocates for efficient water resource management to prevent waste and promote sustainable irrigation systems, particularly in water-scarce areas. Moreover, the association promotes using organic fertilizers and integrated pest management techniques to reduce reliance on harmful chemicals. These initiatives protect local ecosystems and foster biodiversity on golf courses, demonstrating the APG’s commitment to environmental stewardship.

Furthermore, the Associação Portuguesa de Greenkeepers is dedicated to continuously educating its members on sustainable practices. By staying informed about the latest advancements and methodologies, greenkeepers can ensure that golf courses offer a high-quality experience while preserving the environment. This commitment to education and sustainability reflects the APG’s goal of harmonizing sports and environmental stewardship.

The APG’s dedication to excellence is also evident in the achievements of its members on the international stage. Recently, Portuguese greenkeepers represented the association at the prestigious Wells Fargo Championship, one of the eight signature events of the PGA Tour this year. Congratulations to Tiago Lobato and Luís Andrés Pinto for showcasing Portuguese greenkeepers’ high standards and skills at such a prominent event.

Under Tiago Piano’s leadership, the Associação Portuguesa de Greenkeepers is well-positioned to continue promoting sustainable practices and professional excellence in golf course maintenance, ensuring that Portugal remains at the forefront of the golf industry.