Written by: Jason Kelly
2026
In 2024, Strandhill Golf Club began transforming the area around our clubhouse to better reflect the natural beauty of our coastal setting. Working with course architect Ally McIntosh and Course Manager Jason Kelly, we removed hard landscaping and non-native planting, replacing it with natural sand-dune landscaping and native Marram grass. This has enhanced biodiversity while reducing maintenance requirements.
To support this approach, we introduced a Husqvarna EPOS 550 autonomous mower. Its GPS-guided technology is ideally suited to Strandhill, managing approximately 4,460m² of dispersed lawn, semi-rough and fairway areas with consistent precision. Its electric operation and mulching system reduce fossil-fuel use, grass debris and the need for air hoses and compressors.
The project has also eliminated the need for glyphosate spraying around former flower beds, reducing chemical inputs and supporting our commitment to biodiversity. With operating costs of approximately €150 per year, the mower demonstrates the efficiency of autonomous electric technology. We plan to explore further expansion where practical, reducing fossil-fuel use, chemical inputs and maintenance.
