A fleet of robotic mowers which reduce carbon emissions and enhance greenkeeping capabilities is being trialled at Royal Ascot Golf Club as part of its development strategy.
The Berkshire venue introduced BigMow technology to its 150-acre wooded Crown land 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 flight from London to Perth.
The club hopes the move will streamline tasks currently delegated to the team of eight greenkeeping staff who will be able to invest more time and resources into green preparation, aeration, top dressing and overall presentation.
The trial will also 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 BigMow 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.”
The trial is taking place after Royal Ascot Golf Club’s senior leadership team attended this year’s BTME Exhibition in Harrogate, which enabled them to explore the latest equipment, learn about sustainable practices and attend a series of seminars.
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.
“Trialling BigMow technology forms part of this process and we’re grateful to AMS Robotics for their insights into how we can best utilise the technology while retaining our existing greenkeeping team.”
