Photo: DR

ECOGOLF Ariège-Pyrénées: a step ahead

The first ECOGOLF in France! In 2013, the departmental golf course of Ariège reached a new stage by becoming "L'ECOGOLF Ariège-Pyrénées" at the same time as it was blowing out its 27 candles. But beyond a change of name, it is a new concept in France which then saw the light of day in the heart of the Regional Natural Park of the Ariège Pyrenees. For the Department of Ariège, owner of the site, the two courses designed at La Bastide-de-Sérou (an 18 and a 9-hole compact Pitch & Putt) now go beyond the golfing dimension alone to be part of a natural, heritage environment, tourist and, in fact, economic. ECOGOLF welcomes some 10 visitors every year.

Photo: DR

ECOGOLF Ariège-Pyrénées: in tune with the times

“ECOGOLF Ariège-Pyrénées” carries out an innovative approach on a daily basis based on three founding pillars:

• An eco-responsible golf course labeled by the Regional Natural Park of the Ariège Pyrenees,
• A tourist and local golf course with qualitative courses, a semi-circular driving range and a nature trail open to all audiences
• A citizen golf course accessible to all those who wish to discover golf under unprecedented price accessibility conditions.

This sustainable, ecological and civic model requires concrete actions such as:

• Eco-sustainable management of play areas representing 15 ha, with the implementation of an exemplary reduction in the use of phytosanitary products
• Ecological management of out-of-play areas (55 ha), biodiversity reserve, for example through manual maintenance and the use of natural auxiliary fauna (sheep, goats, birds)
• Hill reservoirs have a capacity of 57 m000, making “L'ECOGOLF Ariège-Pyrénées” autonomous in its water supply, without any prejudice to the surrounding nature or to the water tables.

Photo: DR

ECOGOLF Ariège-Pyrénées: proud of its region and its history

“ECOGOLF Ariège-Pyrénées” is also distinguished by its heritage roots. An approach that translates into original signage that is both sporty and touristy. It combines information on each hole (distances, height differences, obstacles, etc.) and promotion of 27 remarkable sites in the department in an original setting.

Examples at Hole n ° 4 at the start of which golfers discover an anecdote on "La Ferme des Calvets" visible from the course, or at "n ° 9", called "Les Vagues de Pierre", which presents this geological peculiarity of golf Ariège, which scientists call the “lapiez” (fields of limestone or crystalline dolomite born from the erosion and dissolution of surface rocks).

On Tuesday, September 25, ECOGOLF will welcome representatives (elected officials, tourist offices, service providers, etc.) of the 27 major sites promoted on the courses to celebrate the Ryder Cup, a few hours from the first swing struck in Saint-Quentin. On the program, visit the course and discover the golf course.

To know more : www.ecogolf-ariege.fr