Environmental stewardship, responsible water management, and the protection of local flora and fauna have long been a daily priority for course superintendent Jean-Eric Simonin and his teams. This proactive approach is also fully supported by the Club’s Board and members, and has earned Golf de Saint-Germain the Silver Label awarded by the French Golf Federation for its commitment to sustainable management.
WATER CONSERVATION
In 2023, the Club undertook a complete renovation of its irrigation system across all 27 holes. The 2,000 sprinklers, arranged in triple rows and individually controlled, now ensure precise and efficient watering — a key factor in both turf quality and water conservation. This major investment has already reduced overall water consumption by 25%.
At the same time, investment in new maintenance equipment has enabled the team to intensify mechanical work such as coring, topdressing, and verticutting of greens and approaches. These practices have significantly reduced not only water use but also the reliance on chemical treatments.
LIMITED USE OF PHYTOSANITARY PRODUCTS
To minimise the use of chemical products, numerous measures have been introduced in recent years. Natural solutions — such as algae extracts and plant macerations made from ferns, horsetail, or nettles — are now used to strengthen the turf and prevent disease. Annual pruning and selective tree cutting are also carried out each winter to improve sunlight and air circulation, reducing the spread of fungal infections. Finally, treatments are applied only when necessary and adjusted according to the specific needs of each area.
BIODIVERSITY
Natural zones, including woodland areas representing several dozen hectares of the Club’s property, are preserved around the course to allow wildlife and vegetation to flourish. Geese, ducks, herons, pheasants, deer, and wild boar are frequent visitors.
The insect population also thrives here — as evidenced by the swallows and other small predators that help maintain ecological balance.
The Club fully supports the French Golf Federation’s active environmental initiative and has begun cataloguing its natural heritage in order to adapt maintenance practices for optimal preservation.
