Ecological golf course: tee off guilt free!

Chemical-free putting at the foot of the Dachstein range

Tee off at Ramsau am Dachstein's absolute world first. The world's first ecological golf course opened in 2007 at the Kobaldhof, so golf enthusiasts can now practice their sport "without chemicals". This innovation has scored a hole in one with golf lovers, including Olympic champion Felix Gottwald, who played the opening shot from the first tee. In fact the ecologically managed golf course is a sporting innovation because the three hectare course is maintained exclusively according to organic agriculture's strict criteria. The chemical and synthetic fertilisers and sprays commonly used on golf courses are intentionally avoided, because there's no place for chemicals on an ecological golf course!

Roland Tritscher, organic farmer and operator of the ecological golf course, explains his motivation for creating this natural golf course, with driving range, putting green and 10 holes, as follows: "We are providing golf lovers with a course which has not been created using chemicals and diggers, but which has been left completely natural and is organically fertilised. It should ultimately be possible to enjoy an outdoor sport in natural surroundings. With hole lengths between 90 and 280 metres, the ecological golf course is also perfect for beginners."

This is a very pleasing development, not only in agriculture but also in the leisure sector, where dispensing with chemicals, synthetic fertilisers and pesticides is testament to a sporting attitude and fairness where the environment and prevention of ground water contamination are concerned, and proves that ecology and sport are perfectly compatible. Like all organic businesses, the ecological golf course is closely inspected and certified by an independent, government-authorised inspection body.

Both beginners and pros can enjoy this special golfing experience, which requires neither club membership nor handicap. Club hire, instructors and green fees that are extremely attractive for beginners provide additional encouragement to practice, or even to simply give this sport a try on the world's first ecological golf course www.kobaldhof.at
There are four other golf courses within a radius of approximately 20 kilometres.