First 18-hole golf course in the UK to be fully managed by Robotic mowers

Traditionally, golf course maintenance has relied on manual methods for mowing, but technological advancements now offer a compelling alternative: robotic mowing.

Maintaining pristine fairways is an essential aspect of golf course management, contributing significantly to the overall player experience. There are several reasons why golf courses should consider embracing robotic mowing for managing their golf course, supported by the pristine running at Cranham Golf Club, the UK’s first full 18-hole golf course to utilise robots to manage the fairways and first cut rough.

Readily available technological advancements has allowed these mowers to adapt to the needs of golf course mowing. With the ability to adjust cutting height, navigate terrain and learn its pathways, the software has made it possible to manage entire golf courses with anywhere from 4-7 robots depending on complexity and size of the course.

A significant benefit of using robotic mowing is the increased efficiency and labour optimisation it offers. Robotic mowers are designed to operate continuously, offering the opportunity to increase the number of times the course is cut per week, without the need for extra resources. Cranham has been able to increase from one-two cuts per week to the robots managing the fairways four times per week. By optimising the mowing process, golf courses can potentially reallocate human labor to other essential tasks, enhancing overall course management.

Weather constraints can cause disruption to golf course maintenance. Robotic mowers are designed to navigate various terrains and adapt to changing weather conditions. For example, on a wet day, the decision not to cut may be made, as the course may not hold up to the weight of a traditional fairway mower – however, this is not the case for robotic mowing. At just 71kg, the risk of compaction and mud is heavily reduced. This adaptability ensures consistent results, regardless of external factors.

Environmental impacts are a huge worry for many businesses and facilities, but robotic mowers are electric and could save a facility five tonnes of carbon emissions per year. By adopting robotic technology, golf courses can reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to environmental sustainability. Additionally, the precision of robotic mowers minimises unnecessary damage to the turf, promoting healthier grass growth and water conservation. On top of this, noise pollution to nearby homes, or players on the course can also be seen as a disruptive factor that is completely eliminated with the use of robotic mowers.

Holding the ability to navigate, instruct and design the course as you please from your smartphone is a groundbreaking advancement. Allowing you to avoid, or spend more time in certain areas, setting automatic cutting heights to adjust accordingly and choosing when they rest are all well in reach at a click of a button.

Last, but certainly not least, the yearly long-term cost savings that can be made by utilising robotic mowers to mow golf courses are substantial. Robotic mowers require less maintenance, have no fuel costs, and eliminate the need for a large manual labour force for mowing. These factors will lead to substantial financial benefits for golf course owners and operators.

In the ever-evolving landscape of golf course management, embracing technological advancements is crucial for staying ahead. Robotic mowing presents a compelling case for its efficiency, precision, cost savings and environmental benefits. By incorporating this innovative technology into golf course mowing maintenance, golf courses can elevate their overall standards, providing a superior experience for both players and course management teams. As the golf industry continues to evolve, the adoption of robotic mowers may well become a standard practice, revolutionising the way we care for and enjoy our beloved golf courses.

Robotic benefits

• Covers large areas in a few hours
• Replaces several small robot mowers
• Much cheaper than a garden tractor
• 10 times lower CO₂ emissions*
• 8 x lower energy costs*
• No noise pollution
• 100% ecological
• Impeccable turf in better condition
• Warning in case of theft or malfunction
• GPS guidance system
  * Compared with a diesel ride-on mower