Harewood Downs Golf Club has taken a step into a new era by upgrading its greenkeeping fleet to further elevate the quality and sustainability of its course and practice facilities.

The five Belrobotics BigMow mowers will aid the club’s existing greenkeeping team to keep the par-69 layout in pristine condition throughout the year.

The self-driving machinery will quickly become a commonplace sight for members of the club, which dates back to 1907 and has been influenced by architects such as James Braid and McKenzie & Ebert.

Instead of replacing human greenkeepers, the work carried out by automated mowers to cut fairways allows existing staff to allocate more time to more skilled tasks around the club that technology cannot complete.

Also representing another step forward in the club’s commitment to sustainability, robotic mowers have demonstrated significant environmental benefits – including vastly reduced emissions and fuel demands compared to traditional models.

Matt Mayfield, general manager at Harewood Downs Golf Club, said: “This is a big investment for us and one that we are very excited to see the benefits of.

“As well as keeping the fairways at a perfect length to maximise playability, having these robotic mowers will allow us to put the dedication and talent of our greenkeepers to better use around other areas of the course.

“We are sure our members will quickly get used to the sight of our new arrivals running up and down the fairways!”

The additions represent the latest chapter in a storied history for Harewood Downs, which has seen the likes of Justin Rose and six-time Open Championship winner Harry Vardon grace its course over the last 117 years.