Laurie Watson spent more than 14 years at St Andrews Links Trust, most recently as the organisation’s director of engagement. He will now take the helm at Royal Aberdeen Golf Club, where he has been a member for more than 30 years.
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Mr Watson’s career spans senior roles in journalism, the public sector and golf, including leadership responsibilities across courses, clubhouses, major championships, amateur events and stakeholder partnerships.
He said he is “hugely honoured” to take up the post at Royal Aberdeen, which earlier this year won a national accolade for efforts to preserve its Balgownie Links from coastal erosion. Dating back to 1888, the course is widely regarded as having one of the finest front nines in links golf.
“Royal Aberdeen has a proud tradition, but also a strong sense of momentum and ambition,” Mr Watson said. “I am looking forward to working closely with the council and the brilliant team, including course manager Richard Johnstone, clubhouse manager John Cameron, head professional David Ross and golf operations manager Nathan Hart-McCann, to build on those strengths and help shape the next chapter of the club’s story with our proud and passionate members.”
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Mr Watson succeeds the club’s previous general manager, Keith Grant, and will begin his tenure with “a focus on operational excellence, member experience and long‑term sustainability”.
“We are delighted to welcome Laurie as our new general manager,” club captain Nick Dalgarno said. “His professional experience, strategic mindset and values‑led approach, combined with his long‑standing connection to Royal Aberdeen, make him exceptionally well-placed to lead the club as we prepare for the future.”
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(Image: Damian Shields)