Machinery and management is working in tandem to elevate one of the world’s top 70 courses.
After more than two decades steadily climbing the ranks at Nairn Dunbar Golf Club, Richard Johnstone took on a fresh challenge in 2024—one that placed him at the helm of one of the most historic and revered links courses in the world.
As course manager at Royal Aberdeen Golf Club, he is leading an ambitious programme of enhancement and innovation that is both respectful of tradition and responsive to the evolving demands of modern golf.
The move was a natural progression for Richard, who brought with him not only a wealth of greenkeeping experience but also a clear, strategic vision.
During the job application process, he impressed with a detailed redevelopment plan that analysed every aspect of the course, from greens and fairways to tees and approaches – and the machinery used to action this – demonstrating a deep understanding of what it would take to push an already world-class venue to the next level.
Since his arrival, Richard has been implementing that plan with a keen focus on long-term sustainability and high-level presentation.
One of the first major projects was addressing a fleet of ageing machinery that was beginning to show its limitations. After extensive testing and staff consultation, the club committed to a five-year lease on a full suite of John Deere machinery—a decision that has already paid dividends.
The new fleet, which includes walk-behind greens mowers, fairway units, compact tractors, utility vehicles, and a GPS-guided sprayer, represents a significant upgrade in both capability and efficiency. While the kit is relatively new to the team, its reliability and ease of use have already helped instill a renewed sense of pride and professionalism among the greenkeeping staff.
Technology now plays a central role in daily operations. Through the John Deere Operations Center, Richard and his team can monitor performance, track machine usage, and plan maintenance schedules with far greater accuracy than before.
The club’s in-house mechanic oversees this data, ensuring that the equipment is not only used optimally but maintained to the highest standards.
Richard is also a firm believer in empowering his team with knowledge. He places strong emphasis on training and communication, helping staff make the most of modern tools such as soil sensors, moisture meters, and weather apps—resources that are increasingly essential in fine-tuning course conditions.
Part of his passion was fuelled by what he experienced at TPC Sawgrass in 2017 when he was selected to be part of the BIGGA volunteer programme, sponsored by John Deere.
With just 10 full-time greenkeepers responsible for both Royal Aberdeen and the adjacent Aberdeen Ladies Course, staffing has historically been a challenge. But under Richard’s guidance, the team is beginning to grow, with plans to add additional staff each year to meet rising expectations and visitor numbers.
“There’s no off-season here,” says Richard. “From early spring, we welcome golfers from around the world—many of whom have travelled great distances and invested heavily in their visit. The course must reflect that level of commitment.”
Looking ahead, Royal Aberdeen is working with world-renowned golf architects on a five-year improvement plan that will address not only course enhancements but also the ongoing threat of coastal erosion. This environmental challenge is a key consideration in the club’s future strategy, and one that Richard is tackling head-on—with sustainability a core part of the solution.
The new machinery plays a vital role in that commitment. The GPS sprayer helps reduce chemical use through precision targeting, while features like electric reel motors on the greens mowers cut fuel consumption.
Combined with solar power and the club’s existing GEO certification, it’s all part of a broader push to ensure that Royal Aberdeen remains not only a premier golf destination, but a responsible steward of the environment.
Major tournaments are also on the horizon, with the Scottish Amateur Championship set for 2026 and discussions underway for a major event to mark the club’s 250th anniversary in 2030.
For Richard, these milestones are markers on a longer journey—a mission to continually raise standards, invest in people, and evolve a historic course for the demands of tomorrow’s game.
“It’s about elevating everything—our team, our practices, and the course itself,” he says. “With the right tools, and the right mindset, there’s no reason we can’t set a new benchmark for links golf.”
