MADEIRA ENHANCES GREEN CREDENTIALS AS PALHEIRO EARNS PRESTIGIOUS GEO CERTIFICATION
Palheiro Golf in Madeira has joined an elite list of European golf venues to achieve the prestigious GEO Certification, further highlighting the idyllic Portuguese archipelago’s commitment to environmental excellence.
Awarded to venues who demonstrate the very highest standards of nature preservation, resource management and community engagement, the coveted designation requires candidates to undergo a rigorous evaluation process across all areas of its business.
According to GEO’s accredited independent verifier, Palheiro Golf excelled in several key areas of sustainability, including nature enhancement and community engagement. The report also highlighted the venue’s commitment to continue improving with a detailed plan covering the next three years and beyond.
Nestled in the picturesque Palheiro Nature Estate, Palheiro Golf is home to a championship course designed by renowned American architect Cabell B. Robinson. The venue was the winner of the ‘World’s Best Panoramic Clubhouse’ at the 2024 World Golf Awards, with sweeping views across the city of Funchal, shoreline and dramatic landscape, while recent improvements to the course have included the complete renovation of all of its bunkers.
Alfredo Castilho Cunha, executive golf director at Palheiro Golf, said: “We are committed to social and environmental responsibility. We recognise the importance of playing our part to protect and restore nature, conserve resources, take climate action and strengthen communities.
“This milestone further cements Palheiro Golf’s position as a leader in sustainable golf, offering players not only an exceptional golfing experience but also the opportunity to contribute to a greener planet.”
One of three world-class golf venues in Madeira, Palheiro played a key role in the archipelago winning the crown of ‘World’s Best Emerging Golf Destination’ at the most recent World Golf Awards.
Sustainability is a central theme across all of Madeira’s golf offering, with the work undertaken by Palheiro building on recent measures introduced at the two other golf venues - Clube de Golf Santo da Serra and Porto Santo Golfe.
Santo da Serra has successfully reduced its water consumption by two thirds thanks to a €2.5m course upgrade in 2023 while the Seve Ballesteros-designed Porto Santo Golfe has introduced a range of measures across its golf and clubhouse facilities in the last few years to reduce water, plastic and electricity usage and improve recycling levels.
Located 500km from the African mainland, Madeira’s sub-tropical climate is ideal for golf all year round. Away from the fairways, the archipelago is famed for its lush landscapes and produces more than 30 varieties of wine.