Quinta do Lago near Faro, Portugal, is investing in sustainable golf course management practices and projects as part of its ongoing partnership with GEO Foundation.

Located within the Ria Formosa Nature Reserve in the Algarve, Quinta do Lago has committed to improving its sustainable practices and boosting its environmental footprint across the resort’s three 18-hole courses – the North, South and Laranjal.

The resort will update its irrigation system, allowing treated wastewater to be used across the entire resort, thereby reducing water usage. Quinta do Lago will also introduce a new GPS spraying system, reducing chemical usage by up to 30 per cent through targeting specific areas that need attention. The resort is also replacing many grassed areas on the North and Laranjal courses with pine-bark chippings.

The upcoming projects are part of a strategy the resort launched in 2020 to improve sustainability on its golf courses. Also in 2020, Quinta do Lago renovated its South course, with all 48 bunkers rebuilt. Other recent work includes leaving large parts of the resort’s courses unmaintained to create a safe habitat for animals.

Scott McLean, superintendent of Quinta do Lago, said: “Our unique positioning within 2,000 acres of the Ria Formosa Nature Reserve brings us even closer to nature, and really helps reinforce the need to always look at better ways to implement sustainable practices.

“On our three courses over the last few years we have really looked at how best to do just that, and we are excited to further improve our environmental credentials through everything we have got planned with the GEO Foundation for the rest of this year and beyond.”