“Our members expect us to be responsible custodians of the environment”

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A Tuscany golf course has completed a major renovation featuring 135km of new drainage capturing surface run-off within a closed system, and a new irrigation system that reduces water consumption.

The Club at Castiglion del Bosco, Tuscany, has completed an ambitious upgrade that aims to future-proof the golf course, enhancing climate resilience and world class playing conditions.

The multi-million euro project, highlighted by the GEO Foundation in its Sustainable Golf Renovation Guidelines, improves the course’s existing closed drainage system capturing surface runoff, increases reservoir capacity and reduces water consumption by 20 percent thanks to a new targeted irrigation system.

Architect Phil Smith, who designed the course with the late Tom Weiskopf in 2012, says Castiglion del Bosco remains the most sustainable golf course he has worked on in the past two decades.
“Castiglion del Bosco sets the benchmark for environmental sustainability,” said Phil Smith, who returned to Tuscany to oversee the renovation. “When Tom and I designed the course, which overlooks a UNESCO protected landscape, we knew it was essential to tread lightly in a precious environment, which is why relatively little earth was moved and why the closed drainage system was an important innovation from the outset.

“Now, with new drought-tolerant turf variations, increased slit and curtain drainage lines and a new precision irrigation system, it will help maximise the efficient use of the closed drainage system and ensure the traditional style and sustainable roots remain an integral part of the course design.”

The large-scale renovation and upgrade project includes:

• 135km of new drainage capturing surface run-off within closed system

• Expanded reservoir capacity further increasing available water

• New targeted irrigation system (1,000 sprinklers) reduces water consumption by 20 percent

• New drought-tolerant grasses introduced

• Increased areas of native grasses for biodiversity, reducing total maintained turf area

• New back tees lengthen the course to tournament-ready 7,500 yards

• Full renovation of 58 bunkers with 3,000m of new bunker drainage

• Upgraded practice area.

Castiglion del Bosco is a 900-year-old estate featuring Italy’s only private golf club, with the course and clubhouse reserved exclusively for members and resident guests of Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco, a luxury resort with 42 suites and 11 farmhouses.

The 5,000-acre estate near Montalcino, which overlooks the UNESCO protected Val d’Orcia, also features a winery, which is an historic producer of prestigious Brunello di Montalcino wines.
David Waters, general manager of The Club at Castiglion del Bosco, said: “We have invested significantly in sustainability innovation and water conservation, enhancing our long-term climate resilience.

“Our members and resort guests expect world class playing conditions all year round: they also expect us to be responsible custodians of the environment. This important course renovation and upgrade achieves both objectives.”

John Clarkin, who managed the renovation, added, “The future of golf is sustainability and this golf course upgrade has taken every aspect of sustainability into consideration.

“This commitment to environmental consciousness sets this golf course renovation apart, reflecting the ownership and management teams’ dedication to achieving excellence in a responsible and forward-thinking manner.”