Why the Women’s Open at Royal Porthcawl will make a small slice of golf history

These robots will cruise the fairways at Royal Porthcawl for the AIG Women's Open.

These little guys will be roaming the fairways at Royal Porthcawl. But why is that unique? Allow us to explain…

For the first time in history, the R&A used robotics to prepare one of its major championship golf courses ahead of the AIG Women’s Open at Royal Porthcawl.

Developed by Husqvarna, the robotic mowers have cut and prepared the immaculate fairways in Wales, giving greenkeepers more time to focus on greens and wider course management.

As well as the fairways, these sophisticated machines have also been used to ensure the practice ground is as pristine as possible for the best players in the world. 

Richard Windows, Assistant Director – Sustainable Agronomy at The R&A, 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.”

The innovation operates via an Exact Positioning Operating System (EPOS) that enables robotic mowers to operate autonomously within virtual boundaries, via a satellite connection.

The 15-strong fleet begins work at 1.30am to cut Royal Porthcawl’s fairways, supporting the home greenkeeping team as they prepare the course for the largest women’s sporting event ever to be played in Wales. 

They work until around 5am before being returned to recharge, clearing the way for the greenkeeping team to commence their vital daily tasks.

The R&A Sustainable Agronomy team, golf’s governing body (outside of United States and Mexico), continues to explore new technologies that deliver high performance golf courses in a sustainable way, and the use of robots for the first time at a global championship, aims to showcase innovations in sustainable golf course maintenance on one of the biggest stages in world golf.

Three-time major champion, Anna Nordqvist, celebrated the quality of Royal Porthcawl ahead of taking on the AIG Women’s Open this week: “I’ve played this course a few times and honestly, I didn’t think it could get much better, but I’ve never seen it looking and playing so well. 

“I’m really excited to get out there and play golf on the biggest stage, in these top conditions.”

Course manager Ian Kinley has also championed the use of robotic technology at Royal Porthcawl since first working with Husqvarna in January. 

Throughout the championship, autonomous technology will enable his team to focus their efforts upon other key areas of the course, such as the greens, tees and bunkers.

Kinley added: “With the AIG Women’s Open set to be the largest-ever women’s sporting event in Wales, we know there’s tremendous pressure to produce playing surfaces that are worthy of such a high-profile event. It’s been priceless to be able to lean on the support of the Husqvarna team as we prepare for the championship.”

“Autonomous machinery aligns closely with our commitment to more sustainable practices at Royal Porthcawl.  We’re invested in using robots on our course long term and we’re incredibly proud to be one of the first venues in the world to use this technology during the hosting of one of golf’s major championships.”

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