Golf
“The great thing about this game is that even the bad days are wonderful,” Bill Clinton once enthused about golf, and many a golfer would agree with him. After all, golf isn’t just for the rich and ambitious, but for all those who enjoy spending time in the fresh air.
And when it comes to nature, the Ennstal Golf and Country Club has more to offer than others of its kind. This 18-hole course is the only golf course in Europe situated within a Natura 2000 site. Nature conservation is a top priority here; numerous biotopes line the course, and indeed, golf balls fly past corncrakes and grass frogs.
Is it still a golf course, or is it already paradise?
As if it were the most natural thing in the world, irises, daffodils and orchids naturally line certain areas of the course in spring and summer – landscape architects could not have done it better. Although the course is set amidst breathtaking mountain scenery, play takes place here on flat ground. The view of the colossal Weißenbacher Wände is inspiring; it makes you take a deep breath before taking your swing and seems to spur many a player on to peak performance. The course is compactly laid out and the distances between the holes are moderate. Take a deep breath – take your swing – and enjoy the game!
Facts
- 18-hole golf course in the Natura 2000 European nature conservation area
- Founded in 1977 – the third oldest golf club in Steiermark
- The flattest 18 fairways in the Alps
- ‘Committed to the Environment’ eco-label
- Natura 2000 themed trail
- Partner of the Steiermark GOLF CARD
Golfing in harmony with nature
The Ennstal Golf & Country Club in Weißenbach/Liezen combines sport with active nature conservation. As the only golf course situated within a ‘Natura 2000’ conservation area, the club has been committed to ecological measures and sustainable management for decades.
✔ Preserving biodiversity and habitats
Nature-friendly management safeguards endangered habitats and protects rare species such as the corncrake.
✔ Sustainable maintenance & ecological management
Biotopes, water bodies and areas undergoing natural succession are deliberately managed extensively to continuously improve the ecological footprint.
✔ Preserving cultural heritage
Rural cultural assets such as the original Ennstal Troadkasten and timber-framed barns are maintained and preserved.
✔ Promoting education & research
Excursions, birdwatching, information boards and talks turn the golf course into a place of learning for environmental awareness.
The GLC Ennstal is committed to a healthy balance between ecology and economy – setting an example for sustainable golf.