SGL Golf unveils new TurfPod sensor to deliver real-time course insights to superintendents

SGL Golf, a sports turf company and a division of SGL System, is launching TurfPod, a next-generation, semi-subterranean sensor designed to deliver continuous, real-time insight into turf conditions across golf courses.

Designed to support high-traffic areas like tee boxes, TurfPod gives superintendents and grounds crews a continuous view of turf conditions above and below the playing surface. The system monitors key environmental and soil conditions 24/7 and sends the data directly to TurfBase Golf, allowing crews to identify issues earlier, respond faster and monitor course conditions even when offsite, according to the company.

“TurfPod gives superintendents a clear, non-stop view of what is happening below their turf at all times and provides a foundational layer of intelligence,” said John Libro, director of new market development at SGL. “By understanding conditions in real time, ground crews can act earlier, allocate time and resources more efficiently and maintain more consistent playing surfaces with greater confidence. It helps turf teams understand their surface before problems become visible, supporting more efficient operations and higher-quality conditions across the entire course.”

TurfPod measures six essential grass growth factors that directly influence turf performance and recovery. Above ground, TurfPod measures PAR light, air temperature and relative humidity. Below the surface, it collects soil moisture, soil temperature and salinity (EC). The device is pinned directly into the playing surface and remains in place to continuously collect data. With built-in 4G connectivity and GPS, TurfPod automatically transmits data to the TurfBase Golf platform without the need for Wi-Fi or manual uploads.

By delivering continuous ground-level data, TurfPod strengthens TurfBase Golf’s ability to translate biological signals into actionable insights that support smarter turf management decisions, according to the company. The new system is offered through a monthly subscription model that includes hardware, software, service and replacement, allowing courses to scale their use without large upfront investment. TurfPod subscriptions include live data access through TurfBase Golf, with optional upgrades available for advanced analytics and agronomy support.