RAGC: Pioneering Sustainable Golf Course Management with Exlterra GEPS® and Greenmix

Kavin Venkat
Sep 2
2 min read

A banner reading "Proudly Designed & Built in Hazel Park"

Golf courses worldwide are facing increasing challenges related to water conservation, climate extremes, and the need for sustainable outdoor spaces. The Royal Antwerp Golf Club (RAGC), Belgium’s oldest club known for preserving and nurturing its heritage courses, has once again raised the bar – this time, as the first golf course in Belgium to install Exlterra's GEPS (Groundwater Energy Passive System).

This project materialized through a unique collaboration between Exlterra, the developer of GEPS technology, and Greenmix, its exclusive distributor and installer in the BeNeLux. Together with RAGC’s leadership, the team turned vision into reality.

A Vision for the Future: RAGC’s Commitment to Sustainability

RAGC has always prioritized innovative solutions that protect both the course and the surrounding environment. Anticipating increasing pressure on water resources, the club partnered with Greenmix and Exlterra to introduce GEPS technology.

"Choosing GEPS was a strategic decision for the future of our club, Sustainability is not just a word, it’s an investment in resilience and excellence.” - Frédéric De Vooght, General Manager at RAGC.

The GEPS Installation: Scope and Capability

Over the winter season, Greenmix coordinated and executed the installation in close collaboration with Exlterra’s engineering team. The project covered nine fairways, carefully designed to maximize performance while minimizing disruption to play. Once in place, the GEPS system provided the soils with the ability to handle up to 307,450 cubic feet (8,706 cubic meters) of stormwater within a 24-hour period. With GEPS underground, the fairways became better equipped to capture, store, and redistribute valuable water resources naturally.

A Natural Test: Dry Conditions Highlight GEPS Resilience

In spring 2025, an extended period of dry and warm weather put the course under pressure. On untreated fairways, turf showed stress. In contrast, GEPS-equipped fairways remained green, healthy, and resilient.

“During the extended dry spell, the difference was clear: GEPS kept fairways green and healthy while untreated areas showed stress. This technology is very promising.” - Barry Williams, Greenkeeper at RAGC.

GEPS Success: More Than Just Infiltration

This experience highlighted GEPS’s true strength: it is not only a stormwater infiltration system but a moisture-rebalancing technology. By passively lifting groundwater back to the turf’s root zone, GEPS sustained healthy turf during challenging periods without energy input or maintenance.

“GEPS was designed to address water balance challenges worldwide, Seeing it perform so strongly at RAGC confirms the promise of this technology.” -- Frank Muller, CEO of Exlterra.

Setting a New Standard for Belgian Golf

By pioneering GEPS, RAGC has anticipated challenges to come and set a benchmark for Belgian golf. Thanks to the combined efforts of RAGC’s leadership, Exlterra’s innovation, and Greenmix’s expertise, this project proves that sustainable water management is achievable today.

“At Greenmix, we are proud to bring breakthrough solutions like GEPS to Belgian golf, Supporting clubs with innovative water management is our mission.” - Dewi Merckx, Golf and Sports Turf Manager, Greenmix.

As the impacts of climate change intensify, the RAGC story demonstrates that investing in passive water management is more than just environmentally responsible - it is the smart, resilient choice for golf’s future.