The magnificent Machrie Golf Links on the island of Islay is one of the finest golf courses to be found anywhere in the UK - as well as one of the most inaccessible - but a major redesign of the links, as part of a complete refurbishment of the resort, will have even more golfers booking a flight or a ferry to ensure they experience its delights.


Machrie Golf Links course manager Dean Muir with Nairn Brown Ltd sales manager Andy Gillies (standing left & right), with the greenkeeping staff and a selection of their new John Deere machines.

The redesign is the work of former European Tour player and now renowned golf course architect David J Russell of RAW Golf Course Design, who is working closely with construction company Edinburgh Landscapes and course manager Dean Muir to maximise the wonderful golfing terrain which Machrie Golf Links has in abundance.

The course remains open while the work goes on and members and visitors can enjoy the stupendous views as well as the wonderful conditioning created by Dean and his team using an extensive fleet of John Deere machinery delivered by Glasgow-based dealer Nairn Brown Ltd.

The six-figure package includes four John Deere 180SL walk-behind greens mowers with trailers, 8000E and 7500AE hybrid electric fairway mowers plus a 2500E hybrid greens triple mower, a 1500 Series front rotary mower, a Pro Gator utility vehicle equipped with an HD200 low-profile amenity turf sprayer, two TE electric Gators and a 4066R compact tractor.

"We were delighted to supply the John Deere equipment package for Machrie Golf Links, and it was great to work alongside Dean and his staff to tailor the machinery to suit the needs of this undulating course," says Nairn Brown sales manager Andy Gillies.

"Machrie Golf Links is a very special golf course, but being on an island brings its own challenges and we set out to ensure that the club wanted for nothing when it came to after-sales service," adds Andy, who has been a frequent sailor on the Islay ferry while ensuring that the course receives first rate customer service, despite its remote location.

Dean Muir was familiar with John Deere machinery from his time as deputy course manager at Muirfield, and was also delighted when Nairn Brown won the contract to supply Machrie Golf Links. "I have always been comfortable using John Deere equipment, but what has been a huge bonus for us has been the dealership back-up," he explains.

"Being on an island does make us more inaccessible, naturally, but someone from Nairn Brown is always on the end of the phone to help with a query or a repair, and they are very good at getting parts to us or even sending someone over if required. I can't fault the dealership, as we've never had a problem that hasn't been fixed as quickly as possible."

The fully redesigned course will open to members and visitors next spring, with a new luxury hotel and lodges scheduled to open in 2018.