The Green Section of the Royal Spanish Golf Federation (RFEG) gave a specialized training day last weekend to students of the Master in Golf and Football Course Maintenance Management at EADE, held at the facilities of the National Golf Centre in Madrid.

The training session focused on sustainability applied to the management, construction and maintenance of sports facilities, showing future greenkeepers and golf course managers the work carried out by the Green Section in technical advice, research, training and project development both in Spain and internationally.

During the day, different real-world success stories developed by the Green Section over the last few years and endorsed at the National Golf Centre were presented. These projects have significantly improved the sustainability of sports facilities by reducing water consumption, optimizing energy use, incorporating new building materials, using grass species better adapted to current climatic conditions, and implementing new maintenance methodologies aimed at more efficient resource management.

One of the highlights of the training was the explanation of how the experience accumulated over more than two decades of work has allowed the Green Section to constantly evolve its technical criteria. The students were able to see that many of the current advances in sustainability stem precisely from the analysis of projects developed under different conditions, the difficulties encountered during their implementation, and the ability to learn from mistakes to develop increasingly effective and sustainable solutions.

The training also provided participants with a comprehensive overview of the Green Section's current activities. In addition to its work in Spain, the department maintains extensive advisory, training, and knowledge transfer activities in various South American countries, collaborating with national federations, greenkeeper associations, clubs, and industry organizations. This international experience allows for the sharing of solutions applied in diverse climatic, economic, and social environments, enriching the department's technical expertise and facilitating the implementation of increasingly efficient sustainability models both within and beyond our borders.

During the session, real-world situations presented by the students themselves were also analyzed, specifically those related to their current professional work. This exchange of experiences facilitated discussions on various issues concerning maintenance, water management, machinery, agronomic planning, and the economic sustainability of the facilities, creating an enriching collaborative learning environment.

As highlighted by David Gómez Agüera, director of the Green Section of the Royal Spanish Golf Federation:

«"The students' level of performance was exceptional. Their participation was constant, and their contributions demonstrated a great capacity for analysis and a tremendous desire for continued professional development. It was especially interesting to discuss real-world cases from their own fields and to jointly explore how to apply sustainability criteria to improve facility management. This exchange of experiences is precisely what allows us to continue evolving and to share knowledge gained from projects developed both in Spain and abroad."»

The Green Section of the RFEG (Royal Spanish Golf Federation) has maintained a close collaboration with specialized training programs for many years, convinced that continuous training, knowledge transfer, and the exchange of experiences are fundamental tools for ensuring the future of the profession. This work is carried out not only in Spain but also in numerous international projects, especially in South America, where the Green Section actively participates in training programs, consulting, and the development of sustainable sports facilities, contributing to the professionalization of the sector and the advancement of best agronomic practices.

The day concluded with a networking session between students and professionals, reinforcing the shared commitment to continue fostering a new generation of greenkeepers and managers prepared to face the environmental, economic and social challenges that will shape the future of sports facilities.