The 2025 GCSAA (Golf Course Superintendents Association of America) Conference and Trade Show showcased the pivotal role of data and technology in shaping the future of golf course management. SKIM Turf Management, as a leader in golf course maintenance software, has been at the forefront of this transformation, leveraging AI, satellite imagery, and analytics to enhance maintenance operations.
Maintaining optimal turf conditions on a golf course is both a science and an art. Data-driven agronomy has revolutionized the way superintendents and agronomists manage turf, providing deeper insights into plant health, moisture levels, and overall course conditions. Working with large volumes of data presents challenges, including collection, storage, organization, and analysis. Without the right tools, managing and making sense of diversified data points can be overwhelming.
That’s why SKIM Turf Management streamlines this process by offering an intuitive platform for automated data collection, course monitoring, and precision turf management. As the industry increasingly relies on data-driven decisions, superintendents seek seamless solutions to optimize operations and resource allocation. “How can we obtain turf condition data at scale without time-consuming tools or processes?” is one of the most common questions asked by superintendents, according to Frederic Paczkowski, General Manager at SKIM Turf Management. “Our vision is to leverage cutting edge technologies like AI & satellite imagery to shift the focus from manual time-consuming processes to decision-making, impact monitoring and precise allocation of resources,” he added.
Change Management and Overcoming Resistance
Embracing new technologies presents both opportunities and challenges, particularly when overcoming resistance to change. A golf course general manager plays a crucial role in challenging the status quo, fostering skill development within the team, and championing innovative ideas. Continuous monitoring and easily retrievable historical data empower golf course managers to assess the impact of maintenance activities and drive efficiency. By leveraging data, golf courses can optimize their approach to mowing automation, fertilizer reduction, water-efficient irrigation, and sustainable turf management practices. The ability to measure return on investment and track turf health improvements ensures that superintendents can make strategic, data-backed decisions that lead to long-term success.
SKIM upgrades its turf management software for superintendents – 1.13 version
With the goal of further empowering golf courses through data-driven agronomy, SKIM has introduced the 1.13 version of its turf management software. This latest release enhances remote monitoring by providing 800,000 measurements per turf condition diagnostic, with for example an average of 15 satellite-based updates per month in Spain. By eliminating the need for manual processes or hardware maintenance, SKIM Turf offers a fully automated and scalable solution. The platform now provides continuous tracking of 17 key parameters affecting turf health, including Biomass (NDVI), Turfgrass Quality (PVR), Chlorophyll (NDRE), Turfgrass Density (GLI), as well as nutrient and micronutrient levels (N, P, K, Mg, Ca, Na, Fe, B, S, Zn, Cu, Mn) and soil moisture.
Additionally, the mobile and web applications allow teams to efficiently record on-course measurements, assign tasks, and maintain a comprehensive course journal with ease. With features such as instant alerts, photo tracking, and seamless collaboration, SKIM Turf Management enables golf course teams to make informed decisions backed by extensive historical data.
Visit SKIM Turf Management, learn more about the Spanish Golf Federation use of the App and Request a Demo!
