How data and tech are shaping modern turfcare and groundscare

The pressures facing turf professionals are well known: limited budgets, labour shortages, rising player expectations and the growing demands of ambitious net zero targets. At the same time, climate change is bringing new challenges in the form of unpredictable weather patterns, droughts and heavier rainfall.

What has changed is the new technology in sports turf management and golf that is enabling smarter, more efficient and more sustainable decisions to be made every day.

In this article, we’ll explore five of the ways data, smart technology and machine innovations are shaping modern turfcare, helping achieve healthier playing surfaces and more resilient operations even with limited resources.

1. Smart fleet and turf management with Intelli360

For golf clubs and sports fields, fleets are at the heart of every turf operation, but without smart management, they can also be a source of inefficiency and hidden operating costs. That’s why more and more turf professionals are adopting digital fleet management systems such as Toro Intelli360 to optimise resources and simplify maintenance.

Why choose Intelli360?

Intelli360 gives managers real-time data and complete visibility into machine location, status, repair needs and productivity. Instead of relying on disconnected data or reactive maintenance, teams can monitor usage hours remotely from any mobile device, flag upcoming services and prevent unexpected downtime before it happens.

• Proactive servicing – keep machines in peak condition and extend their lifespan.
• Reduced downtime – fewer unexpected breakdowns means minimal disruption during busy mowing and maintenance periods.
• Cost control – by tracking usage and fuel consumption, managers can identify operational efficiencies and allocate resources where they’re needed most.
• Improved productivity – conveniently schedule work orders and tasks for your team.
• Ongoing support and updates – Intelli360 adapts to the latest turfcare challenges.

With IntelliDash built into Intelli360, turf professionals are also able to visualise everything in one place – including weather, evapotranspiration forecasts and irrigation data – gaining a holistic picture of their turf operations that is essential for smarter, data-driven decision-making.

2. The efficiency of hybrid and electric equipment

While battery-powered machines have been gaining traction for some years, the latest generation of hybrid and electric turfcare equipment delivers performance on par with traditional petrol or diesel machines – with all the additional benefits of low-emission operations.

Using electric or hybrid machines also helps turf professionals meet evolving environmental regulations and minimise noise pollution on-site, allowing maintenance to start earlier or continue later without disturbing players or residents.

Why choose electric-powered equipment?

With fewer moving parts, these machines require less maintenance, reducing downtime and labour costs, while advanced lithium-ion battery systems like Toro’s HyperCell provide long-lasting power to complete a full day’s work with minimal recharging.

• Improved efficiency and lower operating costs – electric motors can convert mechanical energy over 85 percent more effectively than traditional engines.
• No engine oil means no risk of hydraulic leaks and no potential turf damage.
• A leaner, more predictable maintenance budget, thanks to reduced servicing requirements.
• Enhanced brand reputation and a positive environmental impact.

For more information on how net zero initiatives could accelerate the move to hybrid and electric technology, see our recent article on the future of groundscare.

3. Smarter irrigation and healthier turf with moisture mapping

The rising costs of irrigation, the pursuit of sustainability and its increasing scarcity have made the efficient use of water a critical priority. That’s where TerraRad comes in.

TerraRad’s innovative solution, turfRad uses a passive remote sensing technology that measures the microwaves naturally emitted by the ground to deliver highly accurate soil moisture maps across entire sports surfaces. Rugged and waterproof, these sensors are designed for quick and easy installation on mowers, UTVs or other turf machinery, requiring minimal additional work.

Why choose TerraRad?

Unlike traditional probes that take readings at individual points, turfRad provides a detailed, field-wide picture of where moisture is high, where it’s low and how those patterns shift across the day or season. This data can be leveraged to optimise irrigation accuracy and minimise water waste: instead of watering uniformly and risking over- or under-irrigating in different zones, turf managers can target irrigation only where it’s needed.

• Significant water savings compared to traditional irrigation practices.
• Improved turf health with more even growth as well as reduced stress and disease susceptibility.
• Data-driven decisions that can be clearly communicated to committees or stakeholders.
• Detect irrigation inefficiencies and fix issues before they escalate.
• Collect data and map your course automatically every time you mow – no extra work needed.

For golf course management, where irrigation represents a large portion of input costs, TerraRad’s insights play a pivotal role in improving profitability. And in periods of drought, when irrigation restrictions may come into play, being able to demonstrate optimal turf performance and responsible water usage can be extremely valuable.

4. Boosting productivity with autonomous mowers

Labour shortages are one of the most pressing issues for turf managers today. Finding, training and retaining skilled staff is increasingly difficult – but the workload isn’t going anywhere. That’s why autonomous turf equipment is gaining ground fast.

Toro’s autonomous machines, for example, combine GPS-guided patterns with onboard data sensors to deliver consistent, high-quality cuts with minimal operator input. Solutions like Toro’s GeoLink-enabled fairway mowers or the Turf Pro 500 robotic range are already showing how technology can free up staff to focus on skilled maintenance while repetitive mowing tasks take care of themselves.

The advantages of automation go beyond labour efficiency

• Satellite guidance ensures even coverage and prevents mowing gaps.
• Consistent results across the course or pitch – no more variations between operators.
• Increased efficiency and lower operational costs thanks to optimised mowing patterns.
• Superior performance on slopes and irregular terrain thanks to a lightweight design.
• Reduced emissions and noise pollution – Toro’s autonomous machines are electric.

For teams looking to embrace the next wave of technology, full automation of repetitive tasks offers a compelling balance between maintaining high standards of turf and optimising the resources available to them.

You can learn more about the benefits and common misconceptions of autonomous mowers in our in-depth article.

5. Pinpoint accuracy with GeoLink and RTK technology

GPS-enabled precision is not reserved for the benefit of autonomous mowers – Toro’s Geolink systems and RTK (Real-Time Kinematic) technology also empower sprayers like the Toro MultiPro 5800-G and the Toro Multi Pro 1750 to operate with centimetre-level accuracy and repeatable results, ensuring every pass is consistent and efficient.

For instance, when guiding the MultiPro 5800-G, GeoLink’s advanced communication system pulls in signals from multiple satellites and correction sources, constantly updating the sprayer’s exact position in real time. This enables individual nozzle control to apply the right amount of product, only where it’s required.

For golf courses, sports grounds and athletic fields, the benefits are clear

• Achieve optimal turf results and elevate the aesthetic appeal of surfaces.
• Avoid multiple passes or missed strips and ensure uniform coverage.
• Save time, fuel and the chemical products used by sprayers.
• Simplify reporting, as application rates, coverage maps and volume data can be easily downloaded.
• Enjoy an intuitive interface that is straightforward to use and easy to programme.

Want to dig deeper? Our GeoLink and Digital Specialist, Lee Rowbotham, has written an article that unpacks exactly how Toro’s GeoLink and RTK technology work – and what that means for turf professionals in practice.

Navigate the latest innovations in turf management with Reesink

Technology is not replacing the expertise of grounds teams and forward-thinking greenkeepers – it’s empowering them to achieve more with less. By bringing together new solutions, digital tools and data-driven insights, turf managers can tackle today’s challenges with confidence: saving time, optimising resources, cutting costs and, above all, delivering outstanding playing surfaces.

At Reesink Turfcare, however, we believe modern turfcare won’t revolve entirely around technology: building partnerships you can rely on will remain essential. From cutting-edge Toro equipment and genuine parts to expert support, servicing and training, we’re here to help you embrace the benefits of smarter turf management.

To explore our smart solutions, ask for support or to arrange a demo, visit www.reesinkturfcare.co.uk or call 01480 226800 to speak with one of our experts.