Celtic Manor’s Twenty Ten Course: Leading the Way in Sustainable Golf Courses

Sustainability is no longer just a buzzword—it’s a necessity. As the golf industry faces increasing environmental challenges, sustainable golf courses are emerging as a key focus area for clubs and resorts worldwide. Among them, Celtic Manor Resort’s Twenty Ten Course stands out as a leader, recently achieving the prestigious GEO Certification—a testament to its commitment to eco-friendly golf course management.

A Commitment to Sustainability from Day One

From the moment the Twenty Ten Course was designed to host the 2010 Ryder Cup, sustainability has been at its core. Long before “green golf” became a trending topic, Celtic Manor integrated conservation practices, ensuring the preservation of habitats for dormice, otters, badgers, and other indigenous wildlife.

Fast forward to today, the resort has elevated its sustainability initiatives even further. With the appointment of a dedicated Environment and Ecology Stewardship Manager, Celtic Manor has taken proactive steps to reduce its environmental footprint while enhancing biodiversity on its courses.

What Makes Celtic Manor’s Golf Course Sustainability Stand Out?

Earning the GEO (Golf Environment Organisation) Certification is no small feat. This global benchmark assesses how a golf course operates in harmony with nature, focusing on biodiversity conservation, water management, energy efficiency, and community engagement.

Here’s what sets Celtic Manor apart:

The resort has implemented a network of beehives, bug hotels, bird boxes, and wildflower areas, creating a thriving habitat for pollinators and local wildlife.
Large wild grasslands, wetlands, and woodlands have been safeguarded, ensuring long-term biodiversity growth.

With an investment of over £5 million in sustainable irrigation, Celtic Manor now conserves 60,000 cubic meters of water annually.
Its closed-loop irrigation system eliminates the need for mains water, making it a model for rainwater harvesting in golf courses.

The resort sources 100% of its electricity from REGO-backed renewable energy tariffs.
Zero waste goes to landfill, with a strong focus on recycling and responsible waste disposal.

Celtic Manor has fully electrified its fleet of golf course maintenance vehicles, significantly reducing its carbon footprint.
Course upkeep prioritises organic treatments and natural fertilisers, minimising the use of harmful chemicals.

A Game-Changer for Sustainable Golf in the UK

The Twenty Ten Course is now one of only seven golf courses in Wales to achieve GEO Certification, reinforcing Celtic Manor’s position as an industry leader in eco-friendly golf course operations. But the resort isn’t stopping there.

Under the guidance of Director of Golf Courses and Estates Jim McKenzie, the sustainability team is now working towards GEO Certification for its Roman Road and Montgomerie courses. This would make Celtic Manor one of the most comprehensively certified sustainable golf destinations in the UK.

Why Sustainability Matters in Golf

The push for golf course sustainability goes beyond corporate responsibility—it’s about securing the future of the game. With golf courses covering vast landscapes, their environmental impact can be significant. Leading courses like Celtic Manor are proving that eco-conscious initiatives can enhance course quality, playability, and longevity, all while protecting the planet.

More golfers today actively seek out eco-friendly golf courses, preferring clubs that prioritise wildlife conservation, renewable energy, and sustainable water management. By choosing courses that uphold these values, golfers can contribute to a greener future for the sport.

Experience Sustainable Golf at Celtic Manor

For golfers who care about both performance and the planet, the Twenty Ten Course at Celtic Manor offers an unparalleled experience. Whether you’re playing a round or simply exploring one of the most environmentally responsible golf resorts in the UK, you’ll witness first-hand the harmony between the game and nature.