A fleet of robotic mowers which reduces carbon emissions and enhances greenkeeping capabilities is being trialled at Royal Ascot Golf Club as part of its development strategy.
The venue introduced the technology to its 150 acre wooded crownland course this week with a view to further enhancing the playing quality and experience of members and visitors alike.
Each mower is capable of cutting rough, semi-rough and fairway patches of ground for two hours using GPS technology, can operate in all weather conditions and will save an estimated five tonnes of carbon emissions each year – the equivalent of a return journey by plane from London Heathrow to Perth.
It is hoped the move will streamline tasks currently delegated to the club’s team of eight greenkeeping staff who will be able to invest more resource into green preparation, aeration, top dressing and overall presentation.
The demo will help the club to better understand how technology can be used to its advantage in the long-term with a fleet exchange planned for 2027.
Ian Hockley, course manager at Royal Ascot Golf Club, said: “The benefits of this technology to the club are fourfold.
“Mowing is typically a greenkeeper’s most laboursome task, and although we always aim to be out on the course during quieter hours the occasional disruption to play is inevitable.
“Robotic mowers operate with minimal intrusion and are efficient at providing the best playing surface on areas of rough and semi-rough ground plus our fairways. This allows our existing greenkeeping team to prioritise tasks elsewhere on the course which will be a huge asset for us.
“There’s the environment impact too and due to the weight of each robot we can confidently send them out on the course when conditions wouldn’t be suitable for heavier, more traditional, machinery.
“We’re excited about the benefits this can bring to the aesthetics and playing quality of our course which we take great pride in.”
Stephen Nicholson, general manager at Royal Ascot Golf Club, added: “We’re continually exploring how we can remain at the forefront of greens maintenance to continue providing an enviable course in the years to come.
“Ensuring our through the door and playing experiences for members and guests alike are at the highest levels possible is a key priority for the team.”
Meanwhile, Harewood Downs Golf Club has taken a step into a new era by upgrading its greenkeeping fleet to further elevate the quality and sustainability of its course and practice facilities.
The five robotics mowers will aid the club’s existing greenkeeping team to keep the par-69 layout in pristine condition throughout the year.
The self-driving machinery will quickly become a commonplace sight for members of the club, which dates back to 1907 and has been influenced by architects such as James Braid and McKenzie & Ebert.
Instead of replacing human greenkeepers, the work carried out by automated mowers to cut fairways allows existing staff to allocate more time to more skilled tasks around the club that technology cannot complete.
Also representing another step forward in the club’s commitment to sustainability, robotic mowers have demonstrated significant environmental benefits – including vastly reduced emissions and fuel demands compared to traditional models.
Matt Mayfield, general manager at Harewood Downs Golf Club, said: “This is a big investment for us and one that we are very excited to see the benefits of.
“As well as keeping the fairways at a perfect length to maximise playability, having these robotic mowers will allow us to put the dedication and talent of our greenkeepers to better use around other areas of the course.
“We are sure our members will quickly get used to the sight of our new arrivals running up and down the fairways!”
The additions represent the latest chapter in a storied history for Harewood Downs, which has seen the likes of Justin Rose and six-time Open Championship winner Harry Vardon grace its course over the last 117 years.