The new 9-hole golf course at the Aspire Golf Centre, on the outskirts of Aberdeen, is in the final stages of growing in and will open in early summer. Aspire adds a new dimension to golf in the northeast of Scotland. The greens and tees have been built to exacting USGA specification and the full range of practice facilities aim to test every aspect of any golfers‘ ability.
The driving range, which opened in September 2004, consists of 24 covered bays, two specially equipped teaching bays, plus there’s also a specialist short game area and a large, tournament standard putting green.
The Golf Centre has recently taken delivery a wide selection of Ransomes Jacobsen golf course maintenance equipment. The specialist machinery, worth over £100,000 at retail value, has been taken on a five-year contract hire agreement from Fairways GM of Kinross, Ransomes Jacobsen’s dealer for Scotland.
Roddy Mess is the head greenkeeper and joined the Aspire team last June to supervise the growing in of the new course. He began his career at Alford Golf Club and was deputy head Greenkeeper at Meldrum House, where he gained valuable experience assisting with the development of this prestigious course.
“We have great aspirations here and only the best will do”, he said. “That’s why we‘ve taken a package of equipment from Fairways. The machines include the very latest tees and trim mower, the Jacobsen TR3 and the super light fairway mower, the SLF 1880, which can be used on the golf course fairways and also the target range. Likewise, the out front rotary HR 4600 will be used to maintain the rough and semi-rough and also the outfield on the range.
“Fairways have been superb throughout the negotiations and have been really responsive to our needs. The contract hire agreement suits our purposes perfectly; we know exactly what the equipment costs month on month and it also includes full maintenance and product support.”
Owner and managing director John Duthie comes from a commercial fishing background and the course takes its name from a trawler he once owned. Commenting on the new facilities he said, “Our aim is to provide a total golfing experience for golfers of all standards. Along with the excellent facilities, we also provide the highest level of coaching with Billy Fyfe as director of instruction and former Ryder Cup star Harry Bannerman as teaching professional.
“We have something to offer golfers of all ages and abilities, from scratch players to first timers to low handicappers. We have also created a family friendly atmosphere where everyone is welcome. We are convinced that we have provided the golfers in the region with facilities that are second to none and all within minutes of Aberdeen’s City centre. “
Aspire was designed and constructed by golf course architect Graeme Webster, who has also designed courses at Meldrum House Golf and Country Club, Inchmarlo Golf Centre and Kingsacre Golf Club near Edinburgh.
Graeme Webster info@niblickgolfdesign.com
Aspire Golf Centre www.aspiregolfcentre.com