2026 U.S. Senior Women’s Open showcases robotic mowing

The U.S. Senior Women’s Open is underway at Barton Hills CC in Ann Arbor, Mich. Andrew Christesen, superintendent at the club, and his crew are utilizing Husqvarna robotic mowers, making this tournament among the first USGA events to feature robotic mowers as part of its maintenance plan.

Recognized as one of Michigan’s premier golf destinations and consistently ranked among Golf Digest‘s Top 25 courses in the state, Barton Hills was an early adopter of autonomous mowing. As one of the first golf courses in North America to integrate robotic mowing into the maintenance of its fairways and roughs, the club continues to expand its fleet of 30 mowers with newer models, including Husqvarna’s Automower 580L EPOS and 535 AWD EPOS.

“Since adopting Husqvarna robotics in 2022, we’ve seen firsthand the impact autonomous mowing can have on our operation, from healthier turf and more consistent playing conditions to allowing our team to focus on higher value work across the course,” Christesen says. “We’re proud to highlight that approach during the U.S. Senior Women’s Open and demonstrate how robotics can help support championship level course conditions.”

“The U.S. Senior Women’s Open provides the perfect stage to showcase the growing role of robotic mowing in course maintenance,” says David Plaster, vice president of golf and sports at Husqvarna North America. “Barton Hills has embraced the technology as an integral part of its maintenance program, making it an ideal venue to demonstrate what’s possible for golf facilities across the industry.”

Supporting the deployment throughout the championship is SynaTek Solutions, Husqvarna’s regional Golf and Sports Turf partner, whose expertise has helped Barton Hills successfully implement its robotic mowing fleet.

“Unlike traditional equipment dealerships, supporting Husqvarna robotic mowing solutions goes beyond providing exceptional service and repair,” says Nate Clemmer, CEO of SynaTek Solutions. “Our team works tirelessly to serve as an integrator, bridging the gap between golf course maintenance and technology to help customers successfully implement autonomous mowing.”

Plaster tells Golfdom that he believes robotic mowing in the golf course maintenance industry is reaching near a boiling point in popularity, for multiple reasons.

“The technology has gotten better. It’s gotten easier. People are learning to not be afraid of it. There’s been some really exciting thought leaders in the industry that have come out and said, ‘Hey, if you’re not in this right now, you need to be,’” Plaster says. “Our industry is very fraternal. And I think you’re also seeing more and more discussion around not just about the labor savings, but other financial and agronomic benefits. Now people are looking at it as more of a legitimate option.”