From left, president of Golfclub Broekpolder, Bert Westendorp; Ronald Pfeiffer, President of the Netherlands Golf Federation (NGF) (centre) and Jaap Ouwerkerk, golf club committee president.

‘We want to hear our frogs croaking for a long time to come!’ says President of the club.

Golfclub Broekpolder is the latest golf course in Holland to receive the GEO award. During the Deloitte Ladies Open, the president of the club, Bert Westendorp, received the award from, Ronald Pfeiffer, President of the Netherlands Golf Federation (NGF).

The Netherlands is the world leader in sustainable golf courses, with 31 golf courses which are GEO Certified.

St Andrews, the home of golf, was also recently certified. Many more golf clubs are certified in the Netherlands, including Hilversumsche Golf Club and Kennemer Golf and Country Club, which will host the KLM Open on the men’s PGA European Tour in 2012 and 2013.

“The host venue of the Deloitte Ladies Open, Golfclub Broekpolder is a prominent leader in golf’s global drive towards more sustainable practices.  Their GEO Certified(tm) award signifies efforts which benefit the local environment, including a number of rare species; the local community, including contributions to the Broekpolder Federation; their members by enhancing the quality of golfing experience; and this week, all the spectators, sponsors and other partners of the Ladies European Tour event.  We commend their leadership and example set for others,” said Jonathan Smith Chief Executive of the Golf Environment Organisation.

It has taken more than 20 years for Golfclub Broekpolder to develop into a truly international golf course, hosting top-tier professional golf tournaments. The club has spent a great deal of time and money developing the sustainability and was delighted to be presented with the GEO certificate.