The SATGOLF project – Early Warning System for Golf Courses – presented this morning, in webinar format, the results of its implementation at Arabella Golf Resort Mallorca, demonstrating how digitalisation and very short-term weather forecasting can transform the daily operations of a golf course.
During the session, which also featured the technical team from Meteoclim (WDNA Group), both the system’s technological architecture and its practical on-course application were addressed, incorporating direct insights from the end user: the greenkeeping team responsible for the operational management of the resort.
Technology supporting operational decision-making
SATGOLF integrates low-power IoT sensor technology (LoRaWAN), hyperlocal weather stations, soil moisture and conductivity sensors, very short-term forecasting models (nowcasting) based on meteorological radar, and a real-time storm and lightning alert system.
The combination of these technologies provides near real-time information designed to support decision-making, particularly in relation to:
- Irrigation scheduling and optimisation
- Anticipation of imminent rainfall
- Activation of storm protocols
- Enhanced safety for staff and players
During the webinar, it was explained how the integration of reference evapotranspiration (ET) data, real soil moisture levels and weather forecasts enables more precise irrigation planning, promoting more efficient use of reclaimed water and reducing unnecessary consumption.
From reactive to anticipatory management
One of the key highlights of the session was the explanation of how the system has supported the transition from a traditional model based on fixed scheduling and accumulated experience to a data-driven, hyperlocal anticipatory management approach.
The operation of the lightning detection and convective cell tracking system was also detailed, enabling reinforced safety measures through early warnings and increased response time in the face of adverse weather conditions.
A replicable model for the sports tourism sector
SATGOLF was presented as a practical case of digital transformation within a large-scale sports tourism environment, demonstrating that technology can be integrated into real operations without disrupting course dynamics, while enhancing anticipation and coordination capabilities.
The solution developed is modular and scalable, opening the door to implementation at other golf courses and large outdoor resort complexes, contributing to sustainability, resilience and destination competitiveness.
Funding
The SATGOLF project has been funded by the European Union – NextGenerationEU, within the framework of Spain’s Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan (PRTR).
This initiative forms part of measures aimed at promoting the digitalisation, sustainability and resilience of the tourism sector through innovative solutions focused on resource efficiency and climate change adaptation.
For more information on SATGOLF, visit:https://arabellagolfmallorca.com/en/satgolf/
For more information on the European Union NextGenerationEU plan, visit: https://next-generation-eu.europa.eu/index_en
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