Golf courses are more than places to play—they’re large landscapes with the power to protect nature or put it at risk. In 2025, more clubs are stepping up to be part of the solution.
From cutting water waste to restoring wildlife habitats, the game is embracing changes that make courses better for the environment and the communities around them.
Peter Kapiloff shares the top golf course sustainability trends happening in 2025:
Smarter Water Use
Courses use smart irrigation, rain capture, and drought-resistant plants. These methods cut water waste and reduce pressure on local supplies. That means water is there when players need it most.
At Sentosa Golf Club in Singapore, a single-head control irrigation system cuts water use by up to 40 percent. Reservoir lakes recycle rainwater into a self-irrigating system.
Habitat & Biodiversity Boost
Golf courses add wildlife corridors, pollinator-friendly plants, and natural zones. That encourages birds, bees, and other species to thrive.
Sentosa added stingless-bee colonies, protected 300 tree species during redesign, preserved mangroves, and supported native wildlife—all part of its ecology-led upgrades.
Clean Energy & Carbon Savings
Solar panels, electric carts, energy-efficient clubhouses help cut emissions. Clubs that go carbon-neutral show how golf and climate care can fit together.
Sentosa Golf Club became the world’s first carbon-neutral golf club. It offset emissions using carbon credits funded by just $1 per round. It also runs energy‑efficient systems, waste digesters, EV charging, biochar soil solutions, and earned a green certification for its clubhouse.
Stormwater Capture & Resilience
Courses are redesigning landscapes to reuse stormwater and improve drainage. That protects water supplies and readies courses for wetter storms.
Hermann Park Golf Course in Houston is getting a $30 million renovation. It will capture stormwater runoff, improve drainage, and transplant mature oaks along its walking trail. Work starts in September 2025, with reopening slated for October 2026.
New Design with Nature in Mind
New courses spotlight sustainability from the start. They use natural landforms, local materials, and efficient layouts.
Many architects now design courses that require less grading, use on-site soils, and support natural drainage.
Conclusion
Golf has a public role beyond the green. Sustainable practices return clean water, healthy habitat, and reduced emissions. They help golf courses stand strong in a changing world and show players how golf can help nature—not hurt it.