Beginning in 2026, BCGC will become the first golf course in South Dakota to mow every fairway with autonomous, all-electric equipment, marking a major step forward in efficiency, environmental stewardship, and overall playing conditions.
This winter, we finalized purchase orders for ten (10) Kress KR237 RTK 7-Acre Robotic Mowers, along with the full autonomous guidance system that allows them to mow vast areas with precision. These units will begin maintaining our entire fairway system as soon as the turf begins growing this spring.
And in March, we take delivery of two new JOHN DEERE 2775 E-Cut Electric Triplex Mowers, bringing the same electric innovation to our greens and approaches. These triplex units represent Deere’s most advanced electric cutting technology — quiet, consistent, and exceptionally accurate.
Together, this fleet positions Boulder Canyon Golf Club at the forefront of modern golf maintenance in the Upper Midwest.
Why Electric? Why Autonomous?
The shift to all-electric and autonomous equipment isn’t just about keeping up with trends — it delivers real benefits for our turf, our team, and especially our golfers.
1. Better Playing Conditions Every Day
Robotic fairway mowers cut with extremely consistent reel speed and ground pressure.
Electric greens triplexes maintain the tight tolerances required for smooth, true putting surfaces.
The result for players:
- More uniform fairways
- Improved density and turf health
- Smoother ball roll
- Reduced scalping or stress on greens and approaches
Consistency is everything in golf course conditioning — and electric equipment simply performs more reliably than gas-powered machinery.
2. Ultra-Quiet Mowing With No Disruption
Electric motors operate almost silently.
That means:
- Maintenance can happen early in the morning without disturbing players
- No engine noise echoing through Boulder Canyon
- Quiet, peaceful rounds even when mowing is underway
It enhances the overall playing experience — especially for our early-morning tee times and our residents in the Apple Springs community.
3. Zero Gasoline, Zero Exhaust, Zero Fluid Leaks
Gas-powered equipment introduces heat, fumes, and the ever-present risk of hydraulic leaks on turf. Electric equipment removes those concerns entirely.
Benefits include:
- Cleaner air on the course
- Zero risk of damaging hydraulic oil leaks
- No fuel smell or exhaust around greens and tees
- A healthier, cooler canopy of turf
It’s better for the environment, and better for our staff and members.
4. Improved Turf Health Through Precision
Autonomous Kress Fairway Mowers
These robotic units follow RTK satellite guidance with sub-inch accuracy, resulting in:
- Perfectly straight mowing lines
- No overlaps
- No missed strips
- Repeatable mowing patterns every single day
Their lighter weight also reduces ground compaction — helping our fairways grow thicker and healthier.
John Deere Electric Greens Triplexes
The 2775 E-Cut delivers:
- More stable reel RPMs
- Less vibration
- Better clip consistency
- Cleaner turning with less scuffing
Exactly what you want on greens that need to roll true.
5. Increased Efficiency = More Course Improvements
Autonomous Kress Fairway Mowers
Autonomous mowing frees significant labor hours every week. Instead of sitting on a mower for hours, our team can focus on:
- Detail work
- Bunker quality
- Hand watering
- Trimming
- Faster recovery after storms
- Overall conditioning upgrades across the property
It makes every hour of labor more impactful.
6. A Commitment to Sustainability and Innovation
As we open The Canyon Grille and our new BCGC Golf Shop, this investment reflects our broader commitment to elevating the golfer experience and operating responsibly within the Black Hills.
Electric, autonomous mowing aligns perfectly with that mission:
- Less noise
- Lower emissions
- Reduced fuel use
- Reduced maintenance waste
- Smarter resource management
It’s the future of golf maintenance — and Boulder Canyon Golf Club is proud to lead South Dakota into that future.
What This Means for Our Members and Guests
Beginning this season, players will notice:
- Quieter mornings on the course
- Smoother, more consistent greens and fairways
- Improved conditioning throughout the year
- A more environmentally responsible golf operation
- A more refined overall playing experience
Every golfer will benefit from the precision, consistency, and quiet performance of our new electric fleet.
A New Era at Boulder Canyon Golf Club
With 10 Kress autonomous fairway mowers and two new John Deere E-Cut triplexes joining our operation, Boulder Canyon Golf Club becomes a regional leader in modern golf course management — and one of the most technologically advanced courses in the state.
We’re excited to deliver the next evolution of playing conditions to our members and guests in 2025 and beyond.
