New Royal Aberdeen general manager returns to his golfing roots
Laurie Watson leaves St Andrews Links Trust to take up ‘incredibly exciting opportunity’
Laurie Watson is returning to his roots to take up a new job at Royal Aberdeen as the Balgownie club gears up for its 250th anniversary in 2030.
Watson, who is originally from Aberdeen and has been a member of Royal Aberdeen for more than 30 years, has been appointed as the club’s new general manager.
He succeeds Keith Grant in the role and is excited to get started after deciding it was the right time to bring an end to a 14-year stint working for St Andrews Links Trust, where his most recent job was as director of engagement.
Announcing Watson’s appointment, Royal Aberdeen said he “brings a deep personal connection to the club alongside extensive experience across golf operations, commercial strategy, communications, stakeholder engagement, retail, hospitality and digital transformation”.
In his new role, Watson will be responsible for the day‑to‑day management of the club and its operations, supporting the Council and leadership team in delivering the club’s long‑term strategic ambitions at a pivotal moment in its history.
‘Hugely honoured’ by appointment
“I am hugely honoured to be appointed general manager of Royal Aberdeen Golf Club,” he said. “This is a club I care about deeply, both personally and professionally, and one with an extraordinary heritage and reputation in the game. To have the opportunity to lead it as we look towards our 250th anniversary is incredibly exciting.
“Royal Aberdeen has a proud tradition, but also a strong sense of momentum and ambition. 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.”
At St Andrews Links, Watson played a key role in a team delivering organisational transformation, including the revival of the Old Course Reversed event, overseeing major digital initiatives, delivering a busy schedule of major events and working closely with partners across the golf community at home and abroad.
Royal Aberdeen captain Nick Dalgarno said: “We are delighted to welcome Laurie as our new general manager. 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.”
Royal Aberdeen, which is believed to be the eighth oldest golf club in the world, hosted the Genesis Scottish Open in 2014 after staging the Senior Open in 2005. It was also the venue for the 2011 Walker Cup, won by Great Britain & Ireland, as well as Scottish Senior Open hosted by Paul Lawrie in 2021.
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