The Royal Aberdeen Greenkeeping team were recently recognised at the BIGGA Turf Management Exhibition – BIGGA Awards as the winners of the Greenkeeping Project of the year 2025 category.
The BIGGA Awards were established to recognise and reward the exceptionally high standards, professionalism, innovation and dedication demonstrated by greenkeepers throughout the year. The awards hosted once again by Sky Sports presenter Sarah Stirk, shines a light on those who deliver outstanding renovation and improvement projects, highlighting innovation, sustainability, excellence in project management and outstanding contributions that strengthen the wider profession.
The award highlights all the hard work the greenkeeping team have completed through a difficult 2025, but mainly for the massive reconstruction projects that were undertaken to ensure we safeguard the future of the historic Balgownie Links. Ongoing coastal erosion prompted a complex reconstruction programme, including a new contingency 1st hole, reconstruction of a new 3rd tee, green and approach, new 4th tees, new grassed pathways and a new turf nursery. All of which was completed alongside the day-to-day maintenance of the links and many other general winter improvement projects.
The team overcame some strong opposition and managed to hold off the other 2 finalists of Royal Birkdale and Bearsden Golf Club who also completed huge renovation projects during the last 12 months. The project demanded meticulous planning and adaptability amid challenging weather and tidal pressures, with judges praising the balance between preserving heritage and delivering practical, forward-thinking solutions.
The Greenkeeping team lead by Course Manager Richard Johnstone worked closely with Golf course architect Martin Ebert, Golf Link Evolve construction, Callum Chalmers Irrigation and W.M Donald engineering to plan and implement the various projects across the site. We appreciate all the support shown from the club membership, council, General Manager and especially the master planning committee throughout the whole process.
A huge Congratulations to the greenkeeping team for picking up the BIGGA Greenkeeping project of the year 2025 award and for all their hard work and dedication over the last 12 months.
Royal Aberdeen Golf Club - Golf Course Blog 