Located in the very heart of the Mijas Golf Valley, Chaparral Golf Club stands out as an outstanding example of sustainability on the Costa del Sol. This 18-hole “Parkland Forest” course, designed by Pepe Gancedo, is distinguished by its deep respect for the natural environment, integrating each hole into century-old Canary pine forests and embracing the Mediterranean beauty of sea and mountain landscapes. The course thus becomes a true green lung, an ecological sanctuary that hosts native wildlife: squirrels, rabbits, birds, partridges, canaries, and ducks in an environment where vegetation and biodiversity coexist in perfect harmony.
But Chaparral’s commitment to sustainability goes beyond the landscape: it also extends to energy and environmental management. The club has installed photovoltaic panels that generate clean energy, significantly reducing its dependence on conventional sources and helping mitigate its carbon footprint. This step is part of an ambitious long-term plan focused on energy and environmental sustainability, which has already eliminated plastics from its facilities.
Furthermore, Chaparral is part of a network of golf courses on the Costa del Sol that make use of reclaimed water—an essential practice in a region where water is a precious resource—saving drinking water and contributing responsibly to irrigation. In fact, the Association of Municipalities of the Costa del Sol has launched projects to improve reclaimed water management, reducing by more than 80% the conductivity of irrigation water and promoting initiatives such as “Green by Nature,” which encourage the use of recycled materials and recycling points in sports facilities.
This sustainable approach is built upon three key pillars:
- Preservation of natural environment and biodiversity — The course has been developed in a protected setting, integrating into the landscape without altering it, with designs that blend into the terrain and capture sea views from multiple holes.
- Solar energy and efficiency — The use of photovoltaic energy and the elimination of plastics in its facilities reflect an active, forward-thinking sustainability policy.
- Responsible water use — Relying on reclaimed water for irrigation, in line with regional initiatives, positions the club as a benchmark in water efficiency.
These efforts do not go unnoticed in the golf community or on platforms such as Reddit. Players highlight the excellent course conditions, its intelligent design, and natural surroundings, considering it a rewarding playing experience that combines challenge, beauty, and sustainability.
In conclusion, Chaparral Golf Club not only offers an outstanding visual and sporting experience but also leads with environmental commitment. Its integration of solar panels, use of reclaimed water, and respect for the natural environment make it one of the most sustainable and eco-friendly golf clubs on the Costa del Sol—an inspiring model for the responsible management of sports facilities in Mediterranean climates.
