Marine GC Sylt: A Pioneer in Golf and Nature
Standing still means falling behind—at the Marine Golf Club Sylt, this saying has become their guiding principle. When it comes to nature and the environment, the club has been a model for the northern German region for years, ever since it became the first club in Schleswig-Holstein to receive Gold certification under the German Golf Association’s “Golf & Nature” environmental seal in 2011. Roland Grüger, Course Director, has overseen the “Golf & Natur ” program throughout the entire period, ensuring the necessary consistency. Fifteen years later, Club President Karl Max Hellner is convinced that the environmental management system has advanced the club in various areas, such as workplace safety, securing the club’s future, and ecology. “Actually, every club should participate,” he concludes. “We’ll definitely continue to promote sustainability.”
The new heat pump in the clubhouse is a clear sign that the board is serious about its statements. No, the old heating system wasn’t broken yet, but the club’s leadership would like to phase out fossil fuels. This can’t be done all at once—partly because the investments are high—but step by step, a lot can be accomplished. A large carport with a solar roof, which is to be installed in the parking lot, is already in the planning stages, and the next building—which will house the reception area—is also set to be equipped with a solar system. “We want to become more independent in that regard,” Hellner explains.
Ultimately, the electrification of the course also means less noise. This disturbs golfers less, while at the same time making the greenkeepers’ work environment more pleasant. The large electric mower with a classic cutting deck—far less well-known in Germany than the smaller models from various manufacturers—was expensive to purchase, but it can mow nine holes on its own and produces a first-class cut. “The golfers got used to it very quickly; at first, we didn’t know what to expect,” sums up Head Greenkeeper Andre Bockwoldt, who has always been open to technical innovations. He has been using a digital data-collection system for years, and when it comes to irrigation, he has also long since switched to a state-of-the-art dashboard and irrigation system. This allows him to keep water and irrigation under control.
Participation in Golf Biodivers
Visually, the species-rich meadows stand out most on the 18-hole course; they have developed across a significant portion of the 53 hectares of open natural area. Years ago, the Bockwoldt greenkeeping team sowed regionally sourced seeds specifically suited to the climatic conditions of the island of Sylt. Through participation in the national research project “Golf Biodivers,” scientists from the University of Kiel identified additional areas three years ago where restoration measures would be particularly beneficial. In the meantime, the newly sown herbs, grasses, and flowers are clearly visible in these areas as well. Using specialized monitoring equipment from the University of Kiel, it is subsequently possible to draw conclusions about the number and diversity of insects and birds in the vicinity of these areas.
Heather is cultivated and maintained at the Marine Golf Club Sylt, but it also spreads surprisingly well on its own without any outside help. “It thrives especially well in areas where the grasses are relatively sparse,” says Roland Grüger, pointing to the easily recognizable, light-pink plants.
Golfers rarely get to see most of the many attractive flower beds. They’re located behind bunkers, stretch out between fairways, or grow on large areas of bare soil. However, the dedicated Golf & Nature team led by Roland Grüger is constantly finding new spots for plantings. In the summer of 2026, a new small embankment made of excavated material was created next to the bike path that borders the golf course on one side. For now, it still looks relatively unattractive with its bare earth. At the Marine Golf Club Sylt, however, they’ve learned over the past 15 years that nature itself rapidly reclaims areas. “Next year, it’ll all be green,” Grüger sums up with satisfaction. Just like the roofs of the reception building, for example, which—naturally—are also covered in greenery.
Consistency is the key to success. This is clearly evident at Marine GC Sylt. When a club dedicates 15 years to addressing important issues such as water, energy, and biodiversity—with commitment and the guidance of the Golf & Nature Program—it develops a club that is attractive to members and guests alike and is well-positioned for the future. Standing still is simply not an option here.
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