This project studied three Nordic golf clubs (Asserbo GC, Denmark, Larvik GC, Norway, Linköping GC, Sweden). Initial research included visits to the golf clubs, mapping values, functions, activities. We also identified potential collaborating partners in the area, interviewed key persons and held future-oriented workshops with club representatives and key external actors.
All three clubs contribute significantly to social sustainability of local landscapes, particularly Linköpings GC, which has an urban setting. The golf courses are important green infrastructure contributing to ecological sustainability in the landscape, especially Asserbo GC, which has a very ambitious approach to conserving biodiversity. Larvik GC has some promising collaborations to enhance economic sustainability in the area. Overall, the economic dimension of sustainable development is not very pronounced at the clubs. The future-oriented workshops identified ways to raise the clubs’ profile in sustainability issues and contribution to Agenda 2030:
• Asserbo GC: Birdlife could benefit from having wild plants in roughs, creating a strong food web, since diverse plant life supports diverse invertebrate presence. Possible collaboration with Dansk Ornitologisk Forening. SDG 15 (Life on land)
• Asserbo GC: Access by non-golfers to the golf course is already good, but a project started within Spor.dk could increase accessibility and help integrate the golf club in the social settings of the surrounding landscape. Possible collaboration with Spor i landskabet. SDG 3 (Good health and well-being) and SDG 11 (Sustainable cities and communities)
