Real-Time Turf Intelligence
The Technology Behind Hawk-Eye
Hawk-Eye is the result of nearly two decades of innovation in turfgrass monitoring. When we first pioneered the use of imaging and assessment technology over 20 years ago, the system was mounted on aerial drones. While drones could capture valuable images, they only provided a snapshot in time. That meant a superintendent could identify a problem on the day of the flyover, but there was no follow-up data to confirm if their corrective actions worked, and no way to detect new issues without scheduling another costly scan.
From these early experiences, it became clear that golf courses needed a more consistent, accessible, and cost-effective solution. Hawk-Eye evolved into a permanent, ground-based monitoring system that operates continuously, capturing real-time data around the clock. Over the past decade, we’ve refined and expanded the technology into the comprehensive turf intelligence platform it is today.
How It Works
Hawk-Eye uses a combination of infrared and visual imaging to constantly evaluate turfgrass health, water status, and stress levels. At its core are two proprietary tools: the Hue Degree Calculator, which detects subtle changes in turf color that signal shifts in health or fertility, and the Stress Index, which identifies and analyzes heat, water, nutrient, and pest-related stress before visible symptoms appear.
Every 10 minutes, Hawk-Eye measures canopy temperature, color, and other environmental data points. When certain thresholds are reached, the system automatically sends an alert by SMS or email, giving you not just a warning, but also likely causes and recommended next steps. This early intervention helps prevent small issues from becoming expensive repairs.
Smarter Turf Management
One of Hawk-Eye’s greatest strengths is its ability to pinpoint exactly when and where action is needed. For example, if a green’s canopy temperature exceeds 88°F, Hawk-Eye can advise targeted cooling through fans, syringing, hydronics, or temporary shade. If nutrient deficiency is detected, it directs you to apply fertilizer only to the affected zone. If pests or disease are the source of stress, you’ll know exactly where to treat, saving time, chemicals, and labor.
Because Hawk-Eye integrates directly with irrigation controllers, SubAir systems, turf fans, hydronics, and even lighting, it can guide or automate equipment use based on real-time data. That means pumps, fans, and other systems run only when truly needed, cutting operating costs without compromising turf health.
Alerts That Drive Action
Hawk-Eye alerts are more than just notifications — they’re clear, actionable plans. You’ll know which area is affected, what the problem is, and how to fix it. Heat stress alerts come with cooling recommendations, stress index alerts identify whether the cause is biotic or abiotic, and quality alerts track firmness, ball roll, and color trends so you can maintain peak playability.
This constant feedback loop lets you make confident, data-backed decisions that keep your turf in prime condition year-round.
Proven, Reliable, and Validated
Hawk-Eye’s technology has been refined for nearly 20 years and validated through university research for over a decade. It has been built to deliver accurate, repeatable results in real-world golf course environments, providing the information you need to reduce costs, prevent damage, and raise the quality of play.
By combining advanced imaging, intelligent algorithms, and system integration, Hawk-Eye is more than a monitoring tool — it’s a complete turf management command center.
