Aberdour Golf Club, located in Fife on the northern shore of the Firth of Forth, Scotland, has seen a considerable improvement in the productivity of golf course maintenance procedures since investing in a range of machinery from Jacobsen.


Head Greenkeeper, Mark Laing 

The equipment was delivered by local dealer, Fairways GM, and is now in its second cutting season.

Mark Laing has been the head greenkeeper at the club since 1995 after starting his career as an apprentice in 1986. With 30 years experience on the scenic coastal course, Mark recently purchased a number of machines from Jacobsen. The chosen machines were two GP400 mowers for greens and tees, with both 7 and 11 blade units, providing flexibility. Also chosen was an AR-3 for semi-rough, an AR722 for the rough, a Fairway 305, and an Iseki 5470 tractor with loader. Already in use on the course prior to the purchase of the Jacobsen package was a Spider II for the steep banks on holes 2, 4 and 8.

Commenting on the choice of machinery Mark said, “We were very selective with the machinery we chose. We only have a team of four to maintain a 5,447-yard golf course, so it is imperative that we work in an efficient and productive manner. An example of how we have become more efficient in our maintenance procedures is with the purchase of the Ransomes Spider 2 remote controlled slope mower. It is able to cut the banks on the second hole in just an hour and a half; a job that previously took four hours. It’s such a simple machine to use, and I would be lost without it now!


The Aberdour greenkeeping team on a selection of the machinery from Jacobsen

“All of the machinery is in its second cutting season now and we haven’t had any issues with any of the machines. Fairways has been excellent, and it clearly places an emphasis on providing personal service; we have a great relationship with the guys, and they are always in touch to make sure we are happy with everything. I am delighted with the way the new equipment has performed on the course. It has freed up so much time which has allowed us to embark on new projects and invest resources into the future of the course, rather than just managing to get by each day.”

Aberdour Golf Club was voted the fourth best golfing experience in Scotland by the readers of Bunkered magazine. The private members golf course has breathtaking vistas overlooking the River Forth across to Edinburgh Castle and Arthur's Seat. The 18-hole parkland golf course, established in 1896, has hosted the Scottish Under 14's Championship, the LGU Ladies Coronation Foursomes Area Final, the Roselle Pro-Am, Barnardo's Scotland Charity Golf Days and a host of other large corporate and charity events.