Embracing Precision, Sustainability, and Playability with Autonomous Technology at The Point.

At The Point, we are committed to innovation, sustainability, and enhancing the playing experience for our members and visitors. Over the past decade, the golf course has undergone significant improvements, transforming into one of Cornwall’s most well-regarded destinations for golf. From extensive course renovations to infrastructure upgrades, we have continually invested in improving playability, course conditioning, and sustainability.

Our commitment to ongoing development remains as strong as ever. As part of our long-term vision, we are proud to introduce the next phase of our investment in golf course maintenance – an advanced, fully electric robotic mowing system. This year, we are rolling out six state-of-the-art Husqvarna CEORA 546 EPOS robotic mowers across our 18-hole course, further enhancing course conditioning while reinforcing our sustainability goals.

This ambitious project, coordinated in partnership with Devon Garden Machinery (DGM), marks a significant step forward in sustainable golf course management. The first two mowers are already in action, with the remaining four set to be deployed over the coming months. Once fully implemented, The Point will be the largest fully autonomous golf course site in Cornwall.

Course Improvements Through Smart Technology

Over the past decade, we have made substantial enhancements to the golf course, including bunker renovations, improved drainage, reshaped fairways, and investment in high-quality playing surfaces. The introduction of robotic mowing technology builds on these developments, ensuring we continue to offer outstanding playing conditions all year round.

The Husqvarna CEORA 546 EPOS is a cutting-edge, autonomous robotic mower designed for large-scale turf management. These high-performance machines bring a host of benefits to both our team and our golfers:

• Sustainable Cutting – Fully electric and powered by lithium-ion batteries, the mowers eliminate carbon emissions and fossil fuel dependency, supporting our long-term sustainability goals. With plans to generate our own electricity across the site in the future, this will further enhance our environmental credentials and reduce our environmental impact.
  
• Precision Performance with GPS and EPOS Technology – One of the standout features is the advanced GPS-guided navigation system. The “EPOS” (Exact Positioning Operating System) enables the mowers to operate with pinpoint accuracy, ensuring consistent and precise cuts. EPOS technology allows the mowers to work wire-free, eliminating the need for traditional boundary cables and ensuring clean, efficient mowing patterns with minimal overlap or wasted effort.
  
  • App-Controlled Operation – Through the Husqvarna Fleet Services app, our team can monitor and control the mowers remotely. This includes setting mowing schedules, adjusting cutting parameters, and tracking real-time performance. The app also provides instant alerts and diagnostics, allowing for seamless operation with minimal intervention.
    
  • Real-Time Data and Performance Analytics – The mowers generate and transmit real-time data, providing valuable insights into their performance, battery life, and mowing progress. This data allows us to make informed decisions, optimise maintenance schedules, and ensure the best possible playing conditions.
    
• Healthier Turf & Disease Prevention – Regular, accurate, and consistent cutting maintains optimal turf height, reducing stress on the grass and minimising thatch build-up. This helps prevent disease outbreaks, promotes better airflow, and reduces the need for chemical treatments, leading to healthier, more resilient turf.
  
• Stronger Sward & Playability – Frequent, uniform mowing encourages stronger root development and denser sward growth, enhancing turf durability and playability. Golfers will benefit from firmer fairways, improved ball roll, and an overall superior playing experience.
  
• Course Preparation Overnight – The ability to mow autonomously overnight means the course is ready before the first tee time each morning, with freshly cut fairways and roughs available from the start of play. This reduces disruption during the day and enhances the experience for golfers.
  
• Efficiency & Manpower Optimisation – Rather than replacing staff, our robotic mowers allow our team to focus on other essential aspects of course maintenance, such as irrigation management, bunker maintenance, and detailed landscaping. By reducing time spent on routine mowing, our greenkeeping staff can dedicate more attention to fine-tuning the course to the highest standard.
  
• Noise Reduction – Unlike traditional petrol or diesel-powered machinery, battery powered mowers operate quietly, preserving the tranquillity of the course and ensuring a more enjoyable experience for players.

Hand-Mowing Tees and Greens for the Highest Standards

While our robotic mowers will manage the fairways and roughs, we remain fully committed to maintaining the highest possible standards for our tees and greens. These areas will continue to be hand-mowed using specialist greens mowing equipment, ensuring an exceptional level of precision and care. By blending cutting-edge automation with expert hand-mowing techniques, we can maintain the quality and consistency expected from a championship-standard golf course.

Our Long-Term Vision for Golf at The Point

This latest investment in robotic mowing technology is part of our broader five-year development plan, which focuses on sustainability, innovation, and continuous course improvements. In addition to investing in state-of-the-art machinery, we are also looking at ways to make our operations more environmentally friendly, including generating our own electricity to power our fleet and facilities.

From the very start, our goal at The Point has been to continually enhance the course and provide a premium golfing experience that balances playability with environmental responsibility. The transition to fully autonomous mowing is a significant milestone, and we are excited about the long-term benefits this project will bring.