Perfecting the Grow-In: Stonycroft Hills Club Protects New Turf with Robotic Mowing
A lightweight, all-wheel-drive robotic mower helped new sod establish on steep terrain while keeping high-visibility areas immaculate around the clubhouse.
Executive Summary
Following a major course redesign, Stonycroft Hills Club needed a careful and effective way to maintain newly installed sod across several high-visibility areas, including steep tee box complexes and spaces surrounding the clubhouse. By partnering with Isidore Automation, the club deployed an all-wheel-drive robotic mower that could safely manage challenging slopes while protecting delicate new turf. The robot’s lightweight footprint and frequent, gentle mowing helped the sod establish strong, healthy growth during the critical grow-in phase. At the same time, the automated system ensured the new turf always looked clean, sharp, and professionally maintained.
Introduction / Background
Stonycroft Hills Club recently completed a significant redesign of portions of the course, which included reshaping multiple areas and installing large sections of new sod. Several of these newly sodded spaces were located near the clubhouse and around tee box complexes and bunker and green surrounds that feature steep terrain and high visibility to members and guests.
Maintaining new sod during its early establishment period can be delicate work. Traditional mowing equipment can be heavy and may cause compaction, rutting, or stress on fragile turf. On steep tee complexes, larger equipment can also struggle with traction and maneuverability.
The club wanted a solution that could protect the new turf, handle difficult slopes, and ensure the renovated areas always looked polished and well maintained.
Methodology
Working with the grounds team, Isidore Automation evaluated the redesigned areas and recommended a robotic mowing solution designed to support turf establishment while navigating challenging terrain.
The selected robotic mower featured an all-wheel-drive system, allowing it to confidently operate on the steep tee box complexes that were difficult for traditional equipment to manage.
Installation included mapping several newly sodded areas, including zones around the clubhouse and sloped tee complexes. The robot was programmed to mow frequently and autonomously, removing small amounts of grass at a time—an approach that is ideal for new sod grow-in.
The lightweight robotic mower allowed the turf team to maintain the grass without introducing the stress or compaction that heavier machines can cause.
Results
The robotic mower quickly proved to be a valuable asset during the grow-in period and beyond.
Its all-wheel-drive capability allowed it to confidently maintain steep tee complexes that would normally require careful handling with traditional equipment. At the same time, the robot’s light footprint protected the newly installed sod while encouraging healthy turf development.
Key benefits included:
Protection of New Sod: Lightweight robotic mowing eliminates compaction and damage to delicate turf.
Improved Grow-In: Frequent, gentle mowing encourages thicker turf and stronger root development.
Slope Performance: All-wheel-drive capability allows the robot to handle steep tee complexes with ease.
Consistent Presentation: High-visibility areas remain clean, tight, and visually sharp.
24/7 Maintenance: Autonomous mowing keeps the new turf looking polished at all times.
Healthier Turf: Continuous micro-clippings naturally return nutrients to the soil.
The newly renovated areas—especially around the clubhouse and tee complexes—now maintain a pristine appearance that highlights the success of the course redesign.
Conclusion
By introducing robotic mowing during the grow-in phase of its renovation, Stonycroft Hills Club was able to protect newly installed sod while maintaining exceptional visual quality across key areas of the property.
The all-wheel-drive robotic mower from Isidore Automation handled steep terrain with ease, supported healthy turf establishment, and ensured the club’s newly redesigned spaces remain clean, sharp, and consistently maintained.
"The robot has been perfect for the new sod. It handles the steep tee complexes easily and keeps the areas around the clubhouse looking sharp all the time."
-Stonycroft