How the host of the 2022 Portugal Masters is reducing its water usage

By Alistair January 24, 2023 10:10

Dom Pedro Victoria is reducing its water usage by nearly 50 percent via a newly installed irrigation system and pump, and the utilisation of grass that requires low water and fertiliser consumption.

Towards the end of 2022, Jordan Smith claimed a sensational Portugal Masters victory at Dom Pedro Victoria, crowning a year that also saw the prestigious resort cement its reputation as a pioneer in sustainable golf.

While all eyes were on Smith’s two rounds of 62, Dom Pedro has also taken significant strides in a different field.

Reinforcing the brand’s long-term environmental goals, all Dom Pedro golf courses are regularly evaluated and upgraded to enhance sustainability as well as overall quality. A major focus is on water consumption, with a resort-wide commitment to reduce wastewater by 50 percent.

Additionally, the resort is working to cut down on energy usage, pesticides and fertiliser, as well as identifying areas for the conservation of important native avifauna.

QUARTEIRA, PORTUGAL – OCTOBER 26: Greenkeepers prepares the 18th green ahead of the Portugal Masters at Dom Pedro Victoria Golf Course on October 26, 2022 in Quarteira, Portugal. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)

These changes demonstrate that sustainability does not have to come at the expense of sporting merit. Nowhere is this approach more evident than at the popular Laguna Golf Course, which reopened last autumn following a major renovation. Bermuda grass, renowned for its low water and fertiliser consumption, has been utilised across all fairways, greens and tee mats. Meanwhile, the newly-installed Rain Bird IC irrigation system is touted to significantly cut back on water consumption.

Rui Grave, greenkeeping coordinator at Dom Pedro Hotels & Golf Collection, said: “If you do sustainability well, it will produce economic sustainability too. If we expend less energy and chemical products, it not only gives nature a better chance to be natural, but it costs less money.

“With the new varieties of turf, new irrigation system and new water pump, we can reduce our past water usage by almost 50 percent. Sustainability is always one of the biggest things we work for.”

Stefano Saviotti, chairman of Dom Pedro Hotels & Golf Collection, said: “The environment is very important to us and since the beginning we’ve tried to use sustainable products and recycle water wherever possible.

“We have created a habitat, not only for our customers to enjoy, but also one that benefits nature including the plants and wildlife, and it’s great to see the population of beavers increasing within the waterways and lakes.”