For the first time in history, robotic technology is being used to cut the playing surfaces for a major golf championship, as the AIG Women’s Open gets underway at Royal Porthcawl Golf Club in Wales.
Robotic mowers developed by Husqvarna — the official supplier of the AIG Women’s Open — have been exclusively maintaining the fairways and practice areas in the lead-up to the championship. These advanced machines operate via Husqvarna’s Exact Positioning Operating System (EPOS), which allows them to function autonomously within virtual boundaries using satellite connectivity.
The robots are supporting the home greenkeeping team by handling fairway maintenance, enabling the greenkeepers to focus on the greens and broader course management. During the tournament, a dedicated team of Husqvarna experts will be on-site to oversee the deployment of 15 Husqvarna CEORA 546 EPOS and two Automower 580L EPOS.
This pioneering move aligns with the ongoing mission of The R&A Sustainable Agronomy team, golf’s governing body (outside of United States and Mexico), to explore innovative technologies that deliver world-class playing conditions while promoting sustainability. The introduction of robotics at a global championship highlights the potential of smart solutions in the future of golf course maintenance — showcased on one of the sport’s biggest stages.
The R&A assistant director – sustainable agronomy Richard Windows said, “The R&A’s agronomy team across the globe is focused on delivering high performance surfaces in a sustainable way. At the AIG Women’s Open, the Husqvarna portfolio is helping us deliver this goal through improved resource management, regular lightweight mowing and reduced carbon usage.”
Husqvarna senior marketing manager Samantha Donnelly added, “As women’s golf grows, we believe it has never been more important to build on the momentum and help drive progression forward, on and off the course. With this in mind, we are thrilled to be at the forefront of this unprecedented move for golf, laying the future foundations for how elite tournaments will be prepared, while increasing our foothold and support for the women’s game at large, as official suppliers for the AIG Women’s Open.”
