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Historic Moment at AIG Women's Open: Breakthrough Appearance of Robots

During a significant UK golf tournament week, a groundbreaking step is taken as robot mowers assume maintenance duties at the Royal Porthcawl golf course, with a total of 15 robotic devices being integrated.

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historicalachievement of robots in the AIG Women's Open tennis tournament
historicalachievement of robots in the AIG Women's Open tennis tournament

Historic Moment at AIG Women's Open: Breakthrough Appearance of Robots

Robotic Mowers Revolutionise UK Major Golf Championship Preparation

For the first time in UK major golf championship history, robotic mowers are being used to prepare the fairways and practice areas at Royal Porthcawl for the 2025 AIG Women's Open. A fleet of 15 autonomous robotic mowers, including Husqvarna’s CEORA 546 and Automower 580L models, operate overnight starting around 1:30 am and finishing by 5 am.

The robotic approach frees the human greenkeeping team to concentrate on more detailed and delicate maintenance tasks on the greens, tees, and bunkers, improving overall course management efficiency during the event.

In terms of sustainability and resource management, this autonomous technology supports improved resource management by enabling regular, lightweight mowing with reduced carbon emissions compared to traditional heavy machinery. The robotic mowers contribute to the R&A’s sustainable agronomy goals by lowering energy use and enabling more sustainable course maintenance practices while maintaining high-performance playing surfaces.

Course Manager Ian Kinley highlighted that the technology aligns closely with Royal Porthcawl’s long-term commitment to sustainability and represents a significant innovation in setting new standards for elite championship preparation. The robots' operation overnight optimises work schedules and reduces disruption while enhancing precision mowing and environmentally responsible turf management.

The AIG Women's Open at Royal Porthcawl is expected to be the largest-ever women's sporting event in Wales, putting pressure on producing playing surfaces worthy of such a high-profile event. To meet this challenge, the course has invested in the latest technology, with the Korechi Pik'r-Alpha, a commercial range picking robot, also making its debut at the US Open in June.

Royal Porthcawl's Course Manager, Ian Kinley, has championed the use of robotic technology at the course since first working with Husqvarna in January. The Korechi Pik'r-Alpha, officially the first-ever commercial range picking robot, priced at $54,000, has the capacity to store up to 2400 balls and 4000 balls per round.

Autonomous machinery can be financially beneficial, with the potential to cut the cost of mowing by as much as 50 per cent. It can also save valuable time for greenkeeping teams, providing the opportunity for greater attention to detail on elements that enhance the golfer experience.

The deployment of robotic mowers at the AIG Women's Open is considered a seal of approval for new technology at the highest level. The incorporation of autonomous greenkeeping technologies across the UK is increasing exponentially, with a reported increase in facilities utilising robotic machinery of more than 34% in 2025 alone.

Miyu Yamashita claimed the title in Royal Porthcawl, and the British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association CEO, Jim Croxton, congratulated the team for producing an outstanding golf course. The use of robotic mowers marks a significant step forward in the future of golf course maintenance, demonstrating the potential for technology to enhance sustainability, efficiency, and the overall golfer experience.

References:

  1. The R&A's Agronomy Team Focused on Delivering High Performance Surfaces in a Sustainable Way
  2. The Use of Husqvarna's Robotic Mowers is Helping the R&A Deliver its Goals
  3. The Incorporation of Autonomous Greenkeeping Technologies Across the UK is Increasing Exponentially
  4. Autonomous Machinery Can Save Valuable Time for Greenkeeping Teams
  5. Autonomous Machinery Can be Financially Beneficial
  6. The Korechi Pik'r-Alpha, a Commercial Range Picking Robot, was Spotted at the US Open in June
  7. The Deployment of Robotic Mowers at the AIG Women's Open is Considered a Seal of Approval for New Technology at the Highest Level
  8. The AIG Women's Open at Royal Porthcawl is Expected to be the Largest-Ever Women's Sporting Event in Wales
  9. Fifteen Robotic Mowers Developed by Husqvarna will be Used at the Event
  10. A Recent Life Cycle Study Discovered that Robotic Mowers Emit as Much as 83 per cent Less Carbon Dioxide than Diesel Versions
  11. Miyu Yamashita Claimed the Title in Royal Porthcawl
  12. The 2025 AIG Women's Open will be Prepared with the Assistance of Robotics at Royal Porthcawl
  13. The British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association CEO, Jim Croxton, Congratulated the Team for Producing an Outstanding Golf Course

Golf balls may soon be picked and transported more efficiently with the introduction of the Korechi Pik'r-Alpha, a commercial range picking robot that made its debut at the US Open in June. This new gadget is part of the latest technology investments at Royal Porthcawl, along with robotic mowers, as the course prepares for the 2025 AIG Women's Open. Additionally, the use of technology in sports isn't limited to golf; it's also being leveraged in the maintenance of these courses, such as the robotic mowers that operate overnight, contributing to the R&A’s sustainable agronomy goals and improving overall course management efficiency.

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