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Golf Saudi, in partnership with Atlas Turf Arabia, created the “Sustainable Turf Farm Partnership” to innovate eco-friendly turf solutions. Their Platinum TE® Paspalum grass, resilient to drought and salt, uses treated sewage effluent for irrigation, reducing water and chemical needs and aligning with Golf Saudi’s Green Agenda. This project, Saudi Arabia’s first licensed turf farm, supports sustainable course management, local tourism, and job growth. Built on environmental, economic, and social benefits, it aligns with UN SDGs, particularly SDG 8 and SDG 11, serving as a model for balancing economic growth with ecological responsibility in sports.
The Sustainable Turf Farm Partnership, a collaboration led by Golf Saudi and Atlas Turf International, has developed a pioneering grass variety called Platinum TE® Paspalum. Designed specifically for Saudi Arabia’s arid climate, this grass is both salt-tolerant and water-efficient, requiring significantly less irrigation and fertilizer than traditional turf options. This innovation not only makes golf course maintenance more sustainable but also conserves vital resources like water and reduces chemical runoff, making it a practical choice for environmentally conscious landscaping in harsh climates.
This solution goes beyond the grass itself by incorporating globally recognized sustainability practices that align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By utilizing Treated Sewage Effluent (TSE) as an irrigation source, the partnership reduces the demand on potable water resources, showcasing a responsible and efficient use of non-traditional water sources. This approach directly supports SDG 11, Sustainable Cities and Communities, by enhancing urban green spaces sustainably, and SDG 8, Decent Work and Economic Growth, by creating job opportunities in eco-friendly turf production and sustainable tourism.
Through this innovative turf solution, Golf Saudi promotes a cultural shift toward sustainability within the sports industry, setting a market standard that attracts environmentally committed partners and sponsors. This initiative not only makes a positive environmental impact but also supports long-term economic growth by establishing Saudi Arabia as a model for sustainable practices in sports and urban development.
SDGs involved
The inspiration behind this innovative project stemmed from a shared vision between Golf Saudi and Atlas Turf Arabia to make sustainability a cornerstone of golf development in the region. Reflecting on the journey, the leader shared how Golf Saudi’s Green Agenda shaped the project’s focus on environmental stewardship, emphasizing the need for eco-friendly practices in a region with limited natural resources. “Our motivation is rooted in the vision of creating sustainable growth in sports, especially in areas where environmental conservation is vital,” they explained. This forward-thinking mindset inspired Golf Saudi to work closely with Atlas Turf Arabia to develop Platinum TE® Paspalum, a turfgrass that thrives with minimal water and chemical inputs, aligning perfectly with the environmental challenges faced in Saudi Arabia.
The leader also highlighted the broader societal impact of this innovation. “We see this project as a catalyst, not just for golf but for changing perspectives on sustainable development in sports,” they shared. By promoting eco-friendly turfgrass, Golf Saudi and Atlas Turf Arabia hope to influence how other sports and industries can adopt similar sustainable practices, creating a ripple effect of positive environmental action across the region. Beyond environmental goals, the leader expressed that the project’s collaborative nature was another driving force: “It was inspiring to see how our leaders were not only committed to sustainability but also to finding innovative, practical solutions.” This sentiment of mutual ambition and respect for sustainable progress guided both companies in making impactful choices. The initiative is more than an environmental solution it represents a model for how businesses can balance economic success with ecological responsibility. By reducing water use and chemical inputs, they aim to set a standard for the future, inspiring others to see that sustainable practices can lead to positive change for both society and the planet.
The innovation by Golf Saudi and Atlas Turf Arabia’s Turf Farm has created a significant environmental and social impact, advancing sustainable practices in a region where water conservation is essential. This partnership with Atlas Turf International established Saudi Arabia’s first licensed turf farm, Atlas Turf Arabia, which produces eco-friendly turfgrass tailored to local golf courses. The core of this innovation is Platinum TE® Paspalum, a resilient turfgrass recognized for its salt tolerance and ability to thrive with treated sewage effluent (TSE) irrigation. This grass conserves water and requires minimal chemical fertilizers and pesticides, aligning with Golf Saudi’s Green Agenda to reduce the ecological footprint of local golf developments.
In the short term, this initiative has already lowered water use and chemical applications in golf course maintenance, benefiting the local ecosystem. Long-term, the project is expected to create a culture of sustainability within the sports and landscaping industries in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf. As the region’s sole certified turf farm, Atlas Turf Arabia establishes Golf Saudi as a leader in sustainable course management, boosting their reputation and attracting partnerships with like-minded organizations. The impact is evident in its selection of Platinum TE® Paspalum as the official turf for high-profile events, such as the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, showcasing its scalability and adaptability.
The innovative business model of Golf Saudi, the "Sustainable Turf Farm Partnership," establishes partnerships with sustainable turf production companies worldwide, utilizing and developing their eco-friendly turf on a large scale for sports venues. For business, this innovation strengthens Golf Saudi’s position as a leader in environmentally friendly sports development, bolstering its reputation and bargaining power within the industry. It also optimizes supplier relationships, creating a mutually beneficial arrangement where Golf Saudi ensures steady turf procurement while the turf companies provide sustainable, SDGs-aligned turf supply, reducing potential vertical competition and conflict. Finally, this partnership can attract like-minded organizations, expanding operational reach and creating economies of scale.The innovative operational model of the partnership has proven effective. Golf Saudi is collaborating with Atlas Turf International under a joint venture agreement to provide turf solutions for all future golf development projects in Saudi Arabia. This not only promotes the sustainability agenda but also lays the foundation for Golf Saudi's future industry leadership.
On the other hand, the innovative turf currently adopted by Golf Saudi—Platinum TE® Paspalum—reduces the need for fertilizers and water, lowering maintenance and labor costs for users. Its non-reliance on pesticides also enhances the work environment for employees, improving retention. Additionally, its sustainability boosts media exposure, attracting more event organizers to collaborate, thereby increasing revenue.Greater exposure can also expand investment opportunities, enabling access to equity financing from broader markets, increasing cash flow, and diversifying the financing portfolio.To prove this,the sustainable turf provided by Golf Saudi is certified by the International Turfgrass Genetic Assurance Program (ITGAP) and was selected as the official turf for the 2022 Qatar World Cup. It will bring significant reputational advantages to both Golf Saudi and its partners.
By incorporating sustainability and environmental care into every aspect of its development, Golf Saudi, a program started by the Saudi Golf Federation, is reinventing the conventional game of golf. Golf Saudi is committed to constructing courses and amenities that promote environmental preservation while simultaneously boosting tourism and the economy in order to showcase Saudi Arabia as a premier international golf destination.
Golf Saudi has established a new benchmark for ecologically conscious sporting activities with its creative approach to sustainable golf course development. Golf Saudi aims to revolutionize the golf industry by reducing carbon emissions, conserving water, and promoting biodiversity. For instance, by utilizing drought-resistant turf and intelligent watering technologies, their partnership with global specialists has resulted in the creation of courses that use a lot less water. In Saudi Arabia, where water is a valuable resource, this innovation has a particularly significant impact. In addition to protecting nearby water supplies, Golf Saudi's water conservation efforts serve as a model for other areas dealing with comparable environmental issues.
Golf Saudi Arabia's sustainability initiatives also include ecological balance and habitat protection. Their dedication to reforesting golf courses with native plants encourages biodiversity in otherwise arid areas and helps to maintain local animal populations. Together with efforts to support renewable energy sources and manage trash sustainably, this ecological strategy helps the environment and the communities where it is implemented. The carbon footprint is further decreased with the addition of solar-powered buildings and electric golf carts, demonstrating how sports facilities may include renewable energy sources to lessen their environmental effect.
Golf Saudi's sustainability activities provide a significant social impact in addition to environmental advantages. They are boosting local economies, fostering eco-friendly travel, and providing job opportunities by promoting golf tourism with an emphasis on sustainability. By promoting economic development and environmental care, this all-encompassing strategy helps society and establishes a model for other sports throughout the world.
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Norah Alaqeel, Senior Reporting & Consolidation Specialist
Saudi Golf Company a company that appeared in 2020, as it recently became independent from the Saudi Golf Federation and became a private company for golf sports and is considered a leading company in the sports and entertainment industry, as it specializes in managing golf sports and developing courses for this sport and conducting events related to it.
Golf Saudi Arabia wants to provide the best golf courses and facilities at a world-class level, as well as provide training and educational programs for all those interested in this sport, as well as incubate and develop talented Saudi players to compete in international amateur events and attract tourism by promoting golf events.