How They Work
How Hedgehog Fairway Protectors Work
Why Traditional Trolley Wheels Damage Turf
On courses prone to saturation or frost, standard flat trolley wheels can cause serious harm:
-
Soil compaction
-
Grain flattening and turf die-off
-
Smearing and rutting in wet zones
Electric trolleys can make it worse — wheels may spin and tear into the surface in damp or soft conditions.
Frosty surfaces also suffer: flat wheels bunch grass, leading to “burn” that damages turf health.
How Hedgehogs Protect the Turf
-
Dramatic reduction in surface contact
Hedgehogs reduce ground contact by more than 85%. This limits compaction and trampling stress. -
Stud design “parts” rather than smears
The parabolic studs slip between grass blades and leave only a shallow dimple, not a track. These dimples heal quickly and may aid surface drainage (as confirmed by greenkeeping professionals). -
No mud pickup, even in wet conditions
Unlike some winter-wheel alternatives, Hedgehogs don’t drag mud back to your home or the clubhouse. -
Reduced rolling resistance = easier pull
Because only small points touch the ground, your trolley feels significantly lighter. With less drag, electric trolleys may even enjoy extended battery life.
Winter Bans? Hedgehogs Solve That
When courses ban trolleys in wet seasons to preserve turf, golfers lose use of their trolleys. Hedgehogs provide a way around that — satisfying club and greenkeeping policies while allowing year-round play. Everyone benefits: the course is protected, and you keep your game going.
So if your club currently bans trolleys in winter, consider showing them this page and the video below - it’s designed to reassure greens staff, professionals, and committee members that Hedgehogs protect the course while restoring access to golfers.
Finally, you can also show them the Hedgehog Viability Report which goes into much more detail about how Hedgehogs can help everyone.