From the publisher’s pen: Hovering in the turf tech conundrum

Midway through the 2020s drones hover in the turf tech conundrum.  

The turf tech conundrum is a state of stasis. A few early adopters, many of whom post frequently on social media, start using tools such as drones, in-ground sensors and data-collecting platforms as the industry at-large wonders whether the technology serves an agronomic or operational purpose.

More than a decade into turf flight drones lurk on the equipment sidelines waiting to become fleet staples like mowers, mechanical bunker rakes and sprayers. We all know that drones produce fabulous photography and video. Marketing and maintenance, though, are separate discussions.

In 11 years with Golf Course Industry, which includes more than 400 course visits, I’ve only visited one course flying a drone on the day of my visit. I’ll admit, I don’t snoop around maintenance facilities looking for drones. People and cleanliness stoke my initial curiosity when touring a maintenance facility. But I’ve made it a habit in the past 18 months to ask superintendents about how they integrate technology into management programs. Drones receive few mentions when popping the turf tech question.    

A quick note about our travel: We strive to visit facilities of all levels, despite the average maintenance budget of our audience skewing higher than industry norms. Like any emerging technology, drones require a significant upfront investment. Not every facility can afford self-flying or self-driving technology.  

It’s not all slow and undefined for drones as a widespread golf maintenance tool.

We’ll likely see more drones inside superintendent’s offices and maintenance facilities in our late 2020s and early 2030s course visits. We included a question in our 2025 Numbers to Know survey asking what technology superintendents aren’t using in 2025 they expect to use in 2035. Drones received a 45 percent response.  

During a pair of East Coast visits last year, we heard stories of courses using drones for spot spraying weeds in native areas. Reflecting on those conversations and exchanging direct messages with a recently established connection via LinkedIn led to a drone-inspired X poll generating more than 300 responses.

Where do you see a drone being potentially the most beneficial to your golf course?

— Guy Cipriano (@GCIMagazineGuy) February 19, 2025

Drones might not be altering golf maintenance as swiftly as some turf tech investors and entrepreneurs imagined a decade ago. But versatility should keep them at the forefront of turf tech explorations.

Take off often takes time among golf maintenance professionals.

Guy Cipriano is Golf Course Industry’s publisher + editor-in-chief.