David Bily confirmed as a Sustainable Design Leader

The European Institute of Golf Course Design (EIGCA) is proud to announce that David Bily MEIGCA has been confirmed as a Sustainable Design Leader, following his successful completion of the EIGCA Sustainability Programme and approval of his in-depth case study.

Sustainability and environmental stewardship are at the heart of modern golf course design. The EIGCA Sustainability Programme, developed in partnership with the GEO Foundation, sets the standard for environmentally responsible golf course design in terms of knowledge and practice.

Delivered through a series of 33 on-demand webinars, the Sustainability Programme provides EIGCA members with up-to-date insight into sustainable design across six key themes: Nature, Water, Energy, Supply Chain, Pollution, and Community. Participants apply their learning to a real-world project through a case study, reviewed by the GEO Sustainability Associate (GEOSA) network.

Those who successfully complete the Sustainability Programme are added to the EIGCA Sustainable Design Register, and granted the title Sustainable Design Leader, demonstrating to clients and peers that they are leaders in sustainable golf course design.

Recognising David’s sustainability leadership and innovation, EIGCA President, Gary Johnston, says: “David Bily’s work demonstrates how thoughtful design can benefit both golfers and the environment. He has demonstrated not only technical excellence but also a commitment to environmental stewardship and the long-term sustainability of the game.

“His achievement reflects his personal dedication to sustainable design and EIGCA’s collective mission to ensure that golf courses are developed and managed with respect for people, place, and planet. His inclusion on the EIGCA Sustainable Design Register acknowledges his position at the forefront of sustainable golf course architecture.”

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Case Study

David’s case study focused on environmental initiatives implemented across five GEO Certified golf courses in Switzerland where he has played a key design role. His work exemplifies a holistic and practical approach to sustainability, combining environmental responsibility with enhanced playability and enjoyment.

Highlights from his study include:

• Strategic and sustainable bunkering: Implementing a bunker renovation programme that reduced sand areas, increased wild grass and hard rough zones, and maintained fair yet strategic course play.
• Accessible design: Creating extra-large greens to make the game more welcoming and enjoyable for beginners.
• Biodiversity gains: Reducing areas of maintained turf grass to lower fertiliser and pesticide inputs, while expanding meadow areas that support greater biodiversity.
• Water management: Converting underground streams into natural watercourses, designed to encourage habitat creation and species colonisation.
• Landscape regeneration: Re-exposing a buried historic alluvial moraine, reconnecting the golf course to its surrounding landscape.
• Low-maintenance planting: Introducing perennial planting around clubhouses to reduce irrigation and maintenance demands.
• Inclusive playability: Applying Kari Haug MEIGCA’s Playable Pathways™ approach during the expansion of a six-hole course to nine holes, resulting in additional forward orange tees.