Across the world, golf courses are being reclaimed by nature, turning manicured fairways into thriving ecosystems. The Plock of Kyle, a former golf course on Scotland’s west coast, is now a microcosm of wild Scotland – home to otters, roe deer, dragonflies, and wildflower meadows buzzing with life. Park ranger Heather Beaton sees it as more than restoration: it’s about giving people a chance to reconnect with nature.
This shift isn’t just happening in Scotland. In California, Pennsylvania, Canada, and Australia, abandoned golf courses are being transformed into public parks, wetlands, and wildlife corridors. The San Geronimo Commons in California, once a top water consumer in its county, is now a sanctuary for endangered coho salmon, bobcats, and native plants.
Supporters argue that golf courses, which cover millions of acres globally and consume billions of gallons of water, are an environmental burden. They see rewilding as an opportunity to combat biodiversity loss, restore ecosystems, and provide public green spaces.
Critics worry about lost recreation, jobs, and local economies tied to golf. Some former golfers feel displaced, while others point out that abandoned courses could be converted into housing.
Still, as golf’s popularity shifts and climate concerns grow, many see rewilding as a winning shot for both people and the planet. As Beaton puts it, “You can build a golf course anywhere… but you can’t make something like this.”
