Automated Mowing Trial at Shannon Lake

We’re always looking for ways to improve course conditions and efficiency, and this month we’re trying something new with Automated Mowing!

Shannon Lake will soon begin a trial of an automated mower on Hole 10 (fairway and rough) using the newly launched Kress KR237 robotic mower.

This trial will allow us to evaluate the efficiency and precision of robotic mowers in maintaining our course, and will occur from Friday, July 18 to Friday, August 8.

Fairway mowing will primarily occur during off-play hours (8pm to 8am) to minimize disruption, while rough mowing will take place throughout the day.

What to do if you encounter a mower:

The trial unit is equipped with obstacle avoidance technology designed to detect and avoid obstacles, including golfers and golf carts. While they will not make contact with you and are programmed to navigate around people, they may approach as they continue their work and may rollover your golf ball.

For your safety and to help the mowers operate most efficiently, we kindly ask that you:

Stay out of their direct path if you see one approaching

Do not attempt to interact with or move the mower (they will shut down if lifted)

In an emergency, there is a stop button on the top of the mower

The trial will start with the installation of the mower’s charging station and mapping of the mowing zones. The mower will begin in the rough before moving to the fairway. There will be daily monitoring and fine-tuning to ensure high-quality, consistent cuts.

During the trial, a temporary charging station will be powered via extension cable from the maintenance shed, safely routed under a heavy-duty cable protector where it crosses the road near Hole 10.

We’re excited to test this new technology and look forward to seeing how it performs at Shannon Lake!