Greenkeepers go electric before the Games

Tests with electric mowers have been carried out for several days now on the Albatros course at the Golf National which will host the women’s and men’s Olympic golf tournament this summer. These turned out to be clearly conclusive.

Golf National, results

This Monday, the Golf National, host of the 2018 Ryder Cup but also of the French Open each year, posted on its Instagram account several photos of electric lawn mowers in action on the Albatros course which, as we know , will host the Olympic golf tournament this summer (August 1-4 for men, August 7-10 for women).

“We committed a little over 18 months ago to ensuring that, in terms of heritage, we prepare the course in conditions that have never been achieved before, namely an all-electric park,” summarizes -he. Our partner, Ransomes Jacobsen, has done a lot of work on his side, especially in research and development. Because until now, very few machines were equipped 100% electric. So this will be a first for us! »

The Golf National currently has around fifty electric machines. A first test was carried out on Tuesday May 14 and Wednesday May 15, under heavy rain. And here again, the feedback was very positive.

“We wanted to ensure the quality of the cut in particular and the holding of the battery charge,” continues Philippe Pilato. We realized that for most mowers, we had 65% battery left, which is a good thing for us. Behind, we also realize that in terms of cutting quality, it is very good. Despite the unfavorable weather conditions. »

To accommodate these new machines, the site invested 100,000 euros in charging stations. It’s no secret that the ecological aspect will obviously be closely scrutinized during this Olympic fortnight.

“The objective, from an ecological point of view, is that we are able to show the industry that we can manage an event of this magnitude with a 100% electric fleet,” adds the Director of the National Golf Course. In short, we are ready. And if there is a setback, we are able to remedy it with the help of our qualified and committed employees. They will do what is necessary if the need arises. In addition, our partner Ransomes Jacobsen will send us ten mechanics during the Games. In case. »

Switching to all electricity, even if the thermal equipment is kept in reserve. In order to compensate for a big blow. Nothing is left to chance.

“The goal is to prepare a course for the best players in the world (McIlroy, Scheffler, Morikawa, etc.) and we cannot tell them that we could not prepare the course as needed,” concludes Philippe Pilato. The objective, we understand, is electric but if, however, we have a big unforeseen event, we will be able to do the job with thermal equipment! »