Carnoustie Golf Links chief executive Michael Wells has announced that a strategic partnership with John Deere has been secured, following a detailed period of exclusive discussions between the two organisations, whose joint vision laid the groundwork for the announcement.

Carnoustie Golf Links Chief Executive Michael Wells (centre front) with (l-r) Deputy Chief Executive Adair Simpson, John Deere Strategic Account Manager Richard Charleton, Managing Director Sandy Armit of John Deere dealer Double A and Links Superintendent Craig Boath

Carnoustie say the formalisation of the partnership will harmonise greenkeeping with technology and R&D, as this alliance looks to "lead the conversation in sustainability and best practice in golf course maintenance".

For staff in each organisation, this will also see investments designed to create new professional development and learning opportunities, in addition to supporting a wide range of charitable and apprenticeship programmes, including Carnoustie’s 250-strong junior golf development hub The Carnoustie Craws.

“Our goal was to conceive a partnership based on shared values that went well beyond the provision of greenkeeping equipment,” said Carnoustie's Michael Wells. “Carnoustie and John Deere can now work together to lead the conversation as the golf industry looks to modernise its approach to golf course management, with a partnership that will focus on innovation and development.”

John Deere’s European Golf & Turf sales and marketing manager Carlos Aragones added, “We will be honoured to see our machinery at work on the Championship, Burnside and Buddon Links Courses at Carnoustie Golf Links, and look forward to establishing a close and fruitful partnership with this historic club.”