Robots Taking Centre Stage at AIG Women's Open, Championing New Era in Tennis Competition History
In a groundbreaking move, the 2025 AIG Women's Open at Royal Porthcawl will see the introduction of autonomous robotic mowers to prepare the course. This marks the first time a UK Major golf event will be prepared autonomously for an R&A championship [1][2][3].
The fleet of 15 robotic mowers, including Husqvarna CEORA and Automower models, will take over the task of mowing the fairways and practice areas during the early morning hours between 1:30 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. daily [1][2][3]. The Korechi Pik'r-Alpha, the first-ever commercial range picking robot, priced at $54,000, will also be spotted picking up golf balls from the range and practice facilities at the US Open in June [3].
These robotic mowers operate via an Exact Positioning Operating System (EPOS), which allows them to work autonomously within virtual boundaries defined by satellite connection, making the mowing highly precise and efficient [1][3]. They support the human greenkeeping team by taking over the task of mowing the fairways early each morning, allowing the staff to concentrate on other critical tasks like caring for the greens and overall course management [2][3].
The potential benefits of using robotic mower technology in golf course maintenance include increased efficiency and precision, sustainability, supporting staff, innovation demonstration, and reduced carbon usage [1][3]. Autonomous machinery can also be environmentally friendly, reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions significantly [1][3]. Moreover, they can save valuable time for greenkeeping teams, providing the opportunity for greater attention to detail on elements that enhance golfer experience [1][3].
Royal Porthcawl has been using these robotic mowers since January 2025, finding them "priceless" in helping maintain the course sustainably while preparing for the championship [3]. The British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) has congratulated the Royal Porthcawl team for producing an outstanding golf course for the AIG Women's Open, and BIGGA CEO, Jim Croxton, stated that the deployment of robotic mowers at the AIG Women's Open is a seal of approval for this new technology at the highest level [3].
The use of robotic mowers at Royal Porthcawl is helping the R&A deliver its goal of sustainable golf course management. Autonomous machinery can be financially beneficial, with battery-powered devices having the potential to cut the cost of mowing by as much as 50% [1][3]. The incorporation of autonomous greenkeeping technologies is increasing exponentially across the UK, with a reported increase of more than 34% in 2025 alone [3].
As the AIG Women's Open at Royal Porthcawl is expected to be the largest-ever women's sporting event in Wales, putting pressure on the organizers to produce playing surfaces worthy of such a high-profile event, the use of these advanced technologies is a testament to the R&A's commitment to delivering high performance surfaces in a sustainable way.
References: [1] BBC News. (2025, June 1). Robots to mow fairways at AIG Women's Open. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/golf/58876186 [2] The Guardian. (2025, June 1). AIG Women's Open to use robotic mowers for first time in UK. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/jun/01/aig-womens-open-to-use-robotic-mowers-for-first-time-in-uk [3] Husqvarna. (2025, June 1). Husqvarna Robotic Mowers to Cut Fairways at AIG Women's Open. Retrieved from https://www.husqvarna.com/uk/news/husqvarna-robotic-mowers-to-cut-fairways-at-aig-womens-open/
Golf enthusiasts can look forward to witnessing the Korechi Pik'r-Alpha, a commercial range picking robot, at the US Open in June, as it deftly retrieves golf balls from the range and practice facilities. Furthermore, golf tech fans might be intrigued to learn that gadgets like autonomous robotic mowers, such as the Husqvarna CEORA and Automower models, are now integrated into sports technology, revolutionizing the way golf courses are maintained, with the introduction of these advanced gadgets at the 2025 AIG Women's Open at Royal Porthcawl.
