The future is here: This is how robots will be used to set up the AIG Women’s Open at Royal Porthcawl
A groundbreaking approach will be used to prepare the course in Wales, making history at this year’s AIG Women’s Open.
The 2025 AIG Women’s Open takes place at Royal Porthcawl between Thursday, July 31 and Sunday, August 3, and greenkeepers at the golf course in Wales are set to have an easier week than you might expect considering a major championship is taking place.
Robotic mowers to keep Royal Porthcawl in pristine condition
For the first time in the United Kingdom, robotic mowers will be used to get the course ready for play each day, cutting the fairways and practice areas.
Fifteen robots, which operate autonomously within virtual boundaries via a satellite connection, will be deployed between 1:30 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. each morning to ensure Royal Porthcawl is in pristine condition before each of the four rounds.
Greenkeepers will, however, still be required to cut the greens and deal with other aspects of course management, so they won’t be allowed to put their feet up completely.
Sustainable course management
Ian Kinley, the Course Manager at Royal Porthcawl, revealed the club has been using the robotic mowers, manufactured by Swedish company Husqvarna, since January, which has enabled it to keep the course in tip-top condition in a more sustainable way.
“It’s been priceless to be able to lean on the support of the Husqvarna team as we prepare for the championship,” Kinley said, as reported by Sky Sports. “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.”
Nelly Korda out to end winless run
The AIG Women’s Open is the fifth and final major of the year in women’s golf, with New Zealand’s Lydia Ko the defending champion following her victory at the Old Course in St Andrews last year.
After her two victories in July, most bookmakers have English youngster Lottie Woad down as marginal favorite ahead of Nelly Korda.
World No. 1 Korda won seven times in 2024 but is still searching for her first victory in 2025. Korda is also hoping to become the first American major winner since she herself triumphed at the 2024 Chevron Championship, the first major last year.
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