In 1929 the Home Golf Unions and the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews established what is now STRI in the West Yorkshire location of Bingley. The aims of the new organisation, which still stand today, were to undertake research and provide advisory services and information to golf clubs. In the 1950's the work of STRI was broadened to include all types of sports turf and amenity grass areas.

Today, the STRI is the independent market leader for sports turf surfaces and turfgrass research, testing, agronomy and consultancy. With a worldwide reputation, STRI maintains strong links with all major sport governing bodies, putting STRI in a unique position as facilitator between governing bodies and end users.

STRI is a member of AIRTO (The Association of Independent Research & Technology Organisations), an EU Approved Officially Recognised Efficacy Testing Organisation and an Accredited Laboratory for testing rootzone materials for the construction of USGA Greens.