GroundWorx launches turf management platform

GroundWorx has launched its GX-1 platform, a turf management platform that powers proprietary soil sensors and sophisticated microweather stations. Superintendents get a complete view of their golf course conditions, both above and below ground. GroundWorx said the GX-1A sensor technology has undergone rigorous field testing and is adjustable for any turf root depth. The cloud-based platform consists of an intuitive dashboard, mobile app, alerts platform and tasks/communications application. Golf course superintendents get up-to-the-minute information on changing course conditions. The service is a monthly subscription.

The company said it is adding to its current partner course lineup by offering any golf course a free three-sensor trial for 30 days. The free trials also include access to a regional microweather station. Superintendents will experience a full weather picture, use the alerts platform and task management functionality and be able to communicate with their teammates directly through the GroundWorx app.

“We are big believers in a ‘try it before you buy it’ sales mentality,” said Dennis Clark, the company’s COO. “We want to bring real value to golf course superintendents and that’s why our sensors are specifically designed for the golf course industry.”

The service includes between 18-72 sensors and a microweather station bringing 20 key data points to course managers. Savings on water usage, decreased power utilization from over-pumping and workforce productivity are just a few of the cost-saving benefits users of the full-service platform could see, according to the company.

“Salinity and evapotranspiration readings are key data points to help turf managers make timely decisions regarding the health of their playing surface,” Brad David, GroundWorx CEO said. He said the company is also in the final development phase of a handheld spot-check device with precision GPS and real-time readings.

“As courses start to deploy our service, we will show them the accuracy, reliability and consistency of the readings, sensors and software,” added David.

The company has implemented machine learning and AI providing predictive analytics with the ability to make predictive readings without adding additional hardware. GroundWorx platform can also monitor turf conditions throughout the winter months.