Golf Embraces Rise of the Mowbots for Course Maintenance

Sunday, June 21, 2026

Many golf courses in the UK are adopting robotic mowers to address staffing shortages and reduce maintenance costs. This shift allows courses to maintain high-quality playing conditions more efficiently, though some elite clubs continue to rely on traditional greenkeeping methods.

A growing number of golf courses across the United Kingdom are integrating robotic mowers, or “mowbots,” into their course maintenance routines as clubs face staffing shortages and rising operational costs. The adoption of autonomous grass-cutting technology aims to ease the burden on greenkeeping teams, many of which are currently operating below capacity.

Industry estimates indicate that approximately 53 percent of greenkeeping teams are understaffed, contributing to increased interest in robotic solutions. These machines offer the added advantage of operating during nighttime hours, allowing courses to maintain optimal playing conditions with greater efficiency.

Several clubs have already implemented mowbots in their maintenance programs. Murrayshall Country Estate & Golf Club in Perthshire deploys the robots three times weekly to manage roughs, fairways, and green surrounds. Bearsden Golf Club near Glasgow and Deeside Golf Club in Aberdeenshire have also embraced the technology. Meanwhile, Bothwell Castle Golf Club in Lanarkshire is currently conducting trials, and St Andrews Links in Fife is assessing the potential for expanded use beyond its golf academy and driving range, where the robots presently assist with ball collection and outfield mowing.

Jim Croxton, chief executive of the British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association, noted that most greenkeepers consulted are positively inclined toward adopting autonomous technology as a supplemental tool to support course management. He emphasized that mowbots are viewed as an addition rather than a replacement for human staff.

Despite growing adoption elsewhere, some premier venues remain committed to traditional methods. Gleneagles in Perthshire, a venue with a history of hosting major tournaments like the Ryder Cup and Solheim Cup, currently employs a full-strength maintenance team and has no plans to incorporate robotic mowers.

As golf clubs navigate the dual challenges of labor shortages and budget constraints, the use of robotic mowers represents a significant technological shift in course upkeep, though its acceptance varies across the industry.