In a historic milestone, Somabay Golf Course, designed by the legendary Gary Player, has received the esteemed GEO International Sustainability Certificate from the GEO Foundation,Invest-gate reports.
This makes it the first golf course in Egypt to attain this certification and places it among only four in Africa to achieve the GEO Certified status. This recognition underscores Somabay’s unwavering commitment to sustainability and enhances its reputation as a premier sports destination in the region.
The GEO Certificate is a prestigious international accolade awarded to golf facilities that demonstrate environmental responsibility, community engagement, and a commitment to enhancing natural ecosystems. The certification prioritizes key areas such as biodiversity, resource conservation, community awareness, and proactive climate action. Somabay Golf Course embodies these principles through a variety of sustainable practices, including the use of solar energy for desalination and wastewater management, implementation of advanced irrigation techniques, and the cultivation of water-efficient grass species like Seashore Paspalum. These efforts not only comply with the GEO certification standards but also emphasize Somabay’s dedication to sustainable excellence.
Ibrahim El Missiri, Group CEO of Somabay, expressed his pride in this accomplishment, stating, “Receiving the GEO Certificate for Somabay Golf Course is an internationally recognized accolade that reflects our commitment to sustainability and social values throughout our destination. This achievement reaffirms Somabay’s status as a leading sports destination in Egypt and Africa, highlighting our ongoing efforts to keep our golf course at the forefront of the industry. We take immense pride in being the first in Egypt and one of the few in Africa to earn this distinction, which showcases our dedication to operational excellence and environmental stewardship.”
Mohammed Attallah, Golf Development Director at Somabay Golf, emphasized the significance of this award, saying, “We are honored to be at the forefront of sustainable golf in Egypt and Africa, recognized by esteemed organizations like the GEO Foundation. This award underscores our commitment to adhering to international sustainability standards. Our course offers an ideal setting for golf enthusiasts while upholding the highest sustainability practices, driven by our environmental responsibility. This certification highlights the dedication of our team and motivates us to continue leading sustainable initiatives and aim for even greater achievements in the future.”
Jonathan Smith, Executive Director of the GEO Foundation, noted, “Golf courses play a pivotal role in nature restoration, resource efficiency, carbon emission reduction, and social value creation, all of which Somabay has accomplished commendably, earning it the first GEO Certification in Egypt. Incorporating these principles into course management is central to our mission, and we are proud to see an Egyptian company setting a benchmark in the industry, contributing to Egypt’s leadership in sustainable golf.”
Somabay Golf Course stands out as one of the region’s premier golfing venues, featuring 18 meticulously crafted holes by renowned architect Gary Player, providing a unique experience for golfers of all skill levels. Additionally, it boasts the illuminated “Par 3 Challenge Course,” which allows for play at any time of day. The Somabay Golf Academy further enhances the experience with a state-of-the-art facility that includes a dedicated 5,000-square-meter Short Game Practices area, known as the “Scoring Arena,” designed by prominent architects James Edwards – EDI Design and Tim Lobb – Lobb and Partners, enabling players to refine their skills across various shots.