Spain’s largest golf resort is bidding to become one of the greenest golf resorts in Europe after making a record investment in sustainable technology. Over the last 18 months, La Cala has installed a state-of-the art pumping system. This modernized infrastructure is the most advanced on the Costa del Sol and ensures recycled water is used to irrigate the resort’s three championship courses.

In this regard, La Cala Resort is a pioneer as it was the first resort in the Costa del Sol to use only recycled water, and during dry periods La Cala’s three new pumping stations kick in powering the resort’s sprinkler system with a sustainable supply of water. The resort already has a great drainage system to ensure the fairways are in perfect playing condition all year, even after the odd day of rain.

A new IT system was also installed in 2019, allowing the greens-keeping team to precisely monitor and control water usage across every individual sprinkler point on the America and Asia courses. The net result is a 15% reduction in water-usage and, thanks to the new pumping system, a 25% decrease in the energy required to power La Cala’s irrigation system.

La Cala’s Director of Golf, Robert Mitchell said: “We are blessed to be based in the magnificent surroundings of the Sierra de Mijas. As an organisation it’s critical we do everything we can to protect and preserve such a precious environment. While behind-the-scenes investment like this may go unnoticed by golfers day-to-day, it will more than pay off in the years and decades to come.”

Additional measures to ensure greater sustainability include the installation of Bermuda Grass greens on La Cala’s Asia Course last summer. Not only are these greens in better condition all-year-round, they require less water and are less dependent on the use of chemical fertilisers. The transition has been warmly received and will be repeated on the Europa and America courses over the next two years. Elsewhere, every effort is being made to reduce the use of plastic across La Cala’s four bars, three restaurants and 107-bedroom hotel. This includes switching to the use of biodegradable straws across the resort.