GEO Certified: Heritage Golf Club redefining Sustainable Golf in the Indian Ocean

The GEO Certified® status awarded to Le Château Golf Course in January 2026 follows the GEO Certified® Development status received by La Réserve Golf Links in 2023. With both courses now recognised internationally, and La Réserve Golf Links ranked 28th in Golfweek's Best Top 100 International Courses, Heritage Golf Club stands among the leading sustainable golf destinations in the Indian Ocean region.
 

Jeremy Mamet, General Manager, Turf & Landscape for Heritage Resorts, shares what this recognition means for the club, the journey behind it, and the future of sustainable golf in Bel Ombre.
 

When people think of golf, sustainability is not always the first word that comes to mind. How has Heritage Golf Club set out to change that?

 

At Heritage Golf Club, sustainability is not a separate initiative; it is an integral part of how we operate and plan for the future. Our vision is to create world-class golfing experiences while protecting the natural environment that makes the game so unique.
 

The open landscapes, ocean views, wildlife, and natural elements all contribute to the experience. We have a responsibility to preserve and enhance these assets, and that commitment guides our day-to-day operations. From restoring natural habitats and planting native vegetation to adopting more efficient irrigation and sustainable turf management practices, every decision is made with long-term stewardship in mind, preserving the beauty, tranquillity and authenticity of golf for future generations.
 

The GEO Certified® status is the gold standard in sustainable golf. How do the GEO certifications of La Réserve Golf Links and Le Château Golf Course differ, and what do they mean for Heritage Golf Club?

 

The two GEO recognitions reflect different stages of the club's sustainability journey.
 

La Réserve Golf Links received the GEO Certified® Development status in November 2023, acknowledging the sustainable thinking embedded in its design and construction from the very beginning. Le Château Golf Course achieved GEO Certified® status in January 2026 for its ongoing commitment to environmentally responsible maintenance practices, biodiversity conservation and social responsibility.
 

Together, they position Heritage Golf Club as a reference for sustainable golf in the region and demonstrate that sustainability is not a one-time achievement, but a continuous one. Golfers see this commitment in practice through initiatives such as the replacement of single-use plastic bottles with reusable glass bottles and the landscaping that incorporates native and endemic plant species, including Vetiver arguta and White Ebony, to support biodiversity and habitat conservation.

Le Château Golf Course sits within one of Mauritius' most distinctive natural landscapes. What does this certification give back to Bel Ombre and its community?

 

The GEO Certified® status reinforces Heritage Golf Club's role as a steward of the UNESCO-listed Bel Ombre region. Through indigenous planting, habitat conservation and responsible maintenance, the club contributes to safeguarding the region's biodiversity for future generations.
 

The recognition also supports the local community. International certification for responsible tourism attracts eco-conscious travellers who contribute to the regional economy, while the club prioritises local employment and invests in training to develop skills and create long-term opportunities for local people.
 

Heritage Golf Club also promotes a circular economy by sourcing local products and developing its own biological potager. In partnership with Sealife Organics, green waste from the course is transformed into organic fertiliser and bio-stimulants reused on the property, creating a sustainable closed-loop approach.
 

A certification of this level reflects the commitment of an entire team. Can you take us through the journey and the people who made it happen?

 

The certification process required extensive operational reviews, environmental data collection, staff training, and the implementation of rigorous international sustainability standards.

 
Balancing world-class playing conditions with environmentally responsible maintenance was central to this journey, with particular focus on protecting the endemic Viola plant species, integrating native Vetiver into the landscaping and preserving the area's rare wildlife and natural habitats. Behind each of these efforts lies the work of a dedicated team.

 
Yakshin Bhowon, Sustainability Officer at Heritage Resort & Golf, coordinated the data collection process for the GEO requirements. Darrin Hedley, Golf Director at Le Château Golf Course, ensured sustainability remained central to course operations, while Oogesh Ramsurn, Golf Course Manager, oversaw the day-to-day management of the courses with ecological sensitivity. Irfan Bhengran, People Operations Associate, supported staff training and community engagement.

The GEO Certified® Status is a milestone, not a finish line. Where does Heritage Golf Club go from here?

 

Sustainability will continue to guide improvements across both courses and operations, from upgrading irrigation efficiency and maintaining strict waste management practices to further integrating native vegetation that supports local ecosystems and biodiversity.
 

The next phase focuses on the gradual transition towards electric and automated equipment to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and lower the club's carbon footprint. As part of a long-term strategy, this is being implemented responsibly, weighing renewable energy integration, operational efficiency and long-term environmental and economic benefits. Automation will also allow greenkeeping teams to dedicate more time to agronomy, water management, and ecological habitat conservation.
 

These decisions reflect Heritage Golf Club's ambition to remain at the forefront of sustainable golf in Bel Ombre, continuously improving its environmental and social impact.