The Parador de El Saler Golf Course, a benchmark for sustainability
- A perfect balance between golf and respect for the environment
- The course will host the second round of the Santander Golf Tour, which will take place from 9 to 10 April
Located in the heart of the Albufera Natural Park, the El Saler Parador Golf Course is one of Javier Arana’s most iconic works. It stands out not only for its design and challenging layout, but also for its firm commitment to sustainability. Francisco Contreras, director of the Parador and the El Saler Golf Course, explains how the course’s management integrates environmentally responsible measures and the positive impact these have on the surrounding area.
“Sustainability at El Saler goes beyond environmental practices: it is a fundamental part of its identity and daily management. We focus on the conservation of the natural ecosystems surrounding the golf course and the Parador. The course has been designed to minimise its impact on the local ecosystem, promoting the preservation of native fauna and flora. Not only do we respect this premise in our management, but we also constantly regenerate the environment,” explains Contreras.
The Parador de El Saler Golf Course has implemented efficient water use through a sectorised irrigation system and the reuse of wastewater, thanks to its own treatment plant. ‘100% of the water in the complex is treated and used for irrigation. In addition, we carry out periodic studies to optimise water consumption, adapting it to climatic conditions and the type of grass,’ explains Contreras.
In addition, the course is maintained using natural treatments to avoid excessive use of chemicals, and the use of renewable energy is encouraged. ‘We have solar panels and vacuum oil tubes that generate energy for the parador facilities and for charging the buggies, helping to reduce our carbon footprint,’ he adds.
The balance between playing golf and preserving the environment is a key pillar of the course’s management: “We encourage environmental education among players, staff and visitors, promoting respectful behaviour towards the natural environment. We have informative signage, tees made from recycled plastic and manholes made from drift nets. We also promote the circular economy by recycling golf balls and producing raw materials in collaboration with the University of Valencia and Ecocidi,” says the director of the Parador.
Strategic alliances have also been established with NGOs and foundations that organise workshops and educational events to raise awareness of the importance of biodiversity conservation. ‘We have eliminated invasive alien species and restored natural habitats, such as dunes. One example is our Land Turtle Sanctuary and the Turtle Camp that we organise every summer next to the 17th green,’ says Contreras.
In this privileged setting, the Santander Golf Tour will be held on 9 and 10 April, a tournament that will bring together 38 players from 12 different countries. Contreras emphasises the importance of hosting an event of this level: “The Santander Golf Tour is a prestigious circuit that attracts top-level players from all over the world. For us, it is an opportunity to increase our international visibility as a golf destination and to continue promoting the growth of women’s golf.”
To ensure the best playing conditions, the El Saler course is meticulously prepared for the competition. Its design, which respects the natural geography of the surroundings, offers a challenging course where the sea breeze and natural obstacles play a crucial role. “The players will face a demanding course that requires precision and strategy. The wind is often a determining factor, adding an additional challenge to the competition,” concludes Contreras.
In addition, the top two finishers in the tournament will receive an invitation to compete in the Super Bock Ladies Open, to be held from 6 to 8 May at Vidago Palace Golf in Portugal. This tournament represents a great opportunity for players to continue competing at the highest level and consolidate their professional careers. With its combination of beauty, sustainability and sporting excellence, the Parador de El Saler Golf Course reaffirms its status as a benchmark venue for high-level golf.
About the Santander Golf Tour
The Santander Golf Tour is Banco Santander’s firm commitment to professional women’s golf, and it will celebrate its tenth season in 2025. With ten tournaments throughout Spain, some of which are part of higher circuits such as the LETAS, it is supported by Santander Private Banking, Carmignac, and Santander Seguros as sponsors. Homenaje, Wilson Golf, Toa Shoes, and Estrella Damm are the preferred suppliers. The Royal Spanish Golf Federation, together with the Valencian Community Golf Federation and the other federations through which the circuit passes, provide essential support for the tour.